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Join Us in Asking the U.S. Senate to Support the Medicare Mobility Crisis Improvement Act!
What are mobile crisis response interventions?
Mobile crisis response interventions are teams of mental health providers, including certified peer support specialists, that meet people where they are located to provide critical, life-saving support when an individual is experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Mobile crisis interventions include clinical services such as screening, assessment, and de-escalation, and non-clinical services such as peer support and referral to additional services. These interventions can significantly improve outcomes for individuals in distress.
Medicare Mobility Crisis Improvement Act
The Medicare Mobility Crisis Improvement Act allows a single payment structure under Medicare to cover services delivered by a mobile crisis response team. This innovative approach would streamline payment for services provided by various healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and psychologists as they team up with peer support specialists. The bill could include other providers, such as mental health counselors, as they are added to Medicare. Under the Medicare Mobility Crisis Improvement Act, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would determine the payment rate that covers the costs associated with delivering mobile crisis services. Factors such as the nature of the crisis and its location would be considered when determining the payment structure.
Role of Mobile Crisis Teams in the Crisis Continuum
The implementation of the 988 Lifeline is transforming the way the U.S. approaches mental health, suicide, and substance use crises. Along with 24/7 call/chat/text centers and community-based crisis receiving/stabilization facilities, the availability of mobile crisis intervention is an important pillar in a fully functioning, nationwide crisis care continuum, as SAMHSA recognizes. The Medicare Mobility Crisis Improvement Act is a significant step towards ensuring people are met with appropriate behavioral care rather than a public safety or law enforcement response.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Invest in Sustainable Funding for Mental Health in FY 2024
MHA affiliates are meeting with congressional offices on Wednesday, March 8th, to elevate the needs of individuals on the ground and request funding increases for states and for federal programs that promote mental health and crisis response. We are also seeking additional coverage of peer specialists in Medicare.
Last year, we saw unprecedented investment in mental health programs and services by Congress. But, many officials think they are done. Help us make them understand that one-time funding just won’t cut it.
As our country faces continued impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we ask you to send a letter to your elected officials in support of: prevention and early intervention in the Mental Health Block Grant, youth-focused initiatives at the CDC, peer support coverage in Medicare, and 988 operations and education.
Please take action now!
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Other ways to help!
Help us mobilize our grassroots advocates with a donation so we can continue to assure that our legislators prioritize mental health.
Other ways to help!
Help us mobilize our grassroots advocates with a donation so we can continue to assure that our legislators prioritize mental health.