releases: https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124219/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1219
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124219/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1219 | Stabenow-Blunt Excellence in Mental Health Act Adopted as Amendment in Senate Finance Committee | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | web.archive.org | legacy | The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today approved the bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act, authored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), to expand access to community mental health services and strengthen the quality of care provided. Her bill was included as an amendment to the so-called "doc fix" (SGR) bill that permanently reforms the way doctors are reimbursed by Medicare. The version of the Excellence in Mental Health Act voted for in committee today would establish pilot programs in 10 states to strengthen and improve access to care. Congress' action on this bill comes two days before the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. "Strengthening mental health services isn't partisan. It is an important issue that touches all of our families in some way," said Stabenow. "Our bipartisan bill expands access to care and improves quality of care so people living with mental illness can get the treatment they need. Instead of merely talking about this issue in the wake of tragedies, it is time for Congress to finally take action." "This is an important step forward as we work to fix America's mental health policies," said Blunt. "We've got a model that works to solve these important problems. It's time for Congress to act." The Excellence in Mental Health Act establishes criteria for certified community behavioral health clinics to ensure the providers cover a broad range of mental health services - including 24-hour crisis care, increased integration of physical, mental and substance abuse treatment so they are treated simultaneously rather than separately, and expanded support for families of people living with mental health issues. The Excellence in Mental Health Act was cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators including Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) Chuck, Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The bill is supported by over 50 mental health organizations, veterans organizations and law enforcement organizations including: the National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs' Association, American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Give An Hour, among many others. More information on the Excellence in Mental Health Act is below. Excellence in Mental Health Act • The bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act proposal from Senators Stabenow and Blunt will improve quality and expand access to mental health care through community mental health providers. • It will provide the final step toward mental health parity so we are paying for mental health services in the community the same way we are paying for primary care services. Summary • The proposal would establish a 10 state demonstration program where states that participate would certify that community mental health providers meet new high standards and offer a broad range of mental health services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric services. • Those services can then be adequately reimbursed under Medicaid just as Federally Qualified Community Health Centers are reimbursed for comprehensive primary care services. • It also requires more coordination between community mental health providers and other healthcare providers including VA clinics. • CBO estimates this proposal would cost $1.6 billion over 10 years. Access to Mental Health Treatment Must be Expanded • Less than half of those with mental health disorders receive treatment of any kind in a given year. • 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. With at least 25% of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan experiencing some type of mental health condition, it is even more urgent that comprehensive services be available in communities across our country. • Individuals with a mental illness are more likely to be victims of a violent crime than to commit one. However, if someone does not receive treatment after experiencing their first psychotic episode they are 15 times more likely to commit acts of violence than if they receive treatment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |