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2008NOVEMBER
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2009 Plan Year Enrollment Begins
November 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2009. During this “open season” period for 2009 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2009. The open season process ends on December 31.
OCTOBER
Congress Adjourns: 2009 Funding Update
Late last week the House and Senate adjourned and are not expected back in Washington until mid-November for what is expected to be a very short post-election session. In the addition to passing the landmark Paul Wellstone-Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the House and Senate also last week cleared a funding measure to keep most federal agencies operating at their current levels through March 6, 2009. This “continuing resolution” will keep agencies as the NIMH, SAMHSA and HUD at current FY 2008 funding levels through next year.
Victory on Parity!
By a vote of 263-171, the House this afternoon gave final approval to the Paul Wellstone-Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (HR 1424). President Bush is expected to sign the legislation late today or early tomorrow.
Senate Passes Financial Market Rescue Bill With Mental Illness Parity Included - House Vote Expected Tomorrow
As widely reported in the press last night, the Senate, by a vote of 74-25, approved a revised version of the financial market rescue package that the House narrowly rejected on Monday. The version of the legislation that the Senate passed last night included an extension of expiring tax breaks that the Senate passed on September 22 by a vote of 93-2. It is this "tax extenders" package (HR 6049) that includes the mental illness insurance parity bill.
SEPTEMBER
Congress to Vote on Funding for Medicaid and NIH Research
The House and Senate are expected to vote as early as today on an economic stimulus package that includes $19.6 billion in funding for states to make up for expected shortfalls in Medicaid and $1.2 billion in funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Congress Moves Parity Forward!
Yesterday both the House and Senate advanced a final agreement on legislation to require group health plans to cover treatment for mental illness at parity with all other medical conditions.
Help Us Pass Parity This Year!
With only a week left before it plans to adjourn, Congress is set to take final action on legislation to require groups health plans to equitably cover treatment for mental illness.
House Passes Supportive Housing Legislation and Revisions to the ADA
On September 17, the House cleared two important bills to expand supportive housing for non-elderly adults with severe disabilities and restore protections under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
Demand Action on Insurance Parity – National Call-In Day Wednesday
Add your voice to those demanding action in Congress on mental illness insurance parity. On Wednesday, September 10, advocates will be calling their U.S. Representative and Senators urging passage of the legislation requiring equitable coverage of mental illness treatment by group health plans.
AUGUST
Tell Congress: Pass Parity This Year!
Before leaving Washington for the August recess, sponsors of parity legislation reached an agreement on a final bill to require equitable coverage in health plans for mental illness treatment. Now all that is remaining is to find a “budget offset” and resolve how the bill will be sent to the President.
Housing Update: House Committee Passes Bills Expanding Supportive Housing and Homeless Programs
This past week the House Financial Services Committee approved separate bills reforming the HUD Section 811 Program (HR 5772) and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (HR 840).
House Passes Increases for Veterans Mental Illness Treatment
By a vote of 409-4 the House today passed legislation funding the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY 2009. The bill (HR 6599) includes $3.8 billion for mental illness treatment and $584 million for substance abuse treatment in the VA, significant increases over current year funding.
JULY
Congress Approves Housing Trust Fund!
As is being widely reported in the press, Congress has sent to the President a massive housing package that includes legislation designed to prevent mortgage foreclosures, reform Federal Housing Administration and shore up the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Included in the bill are a number of critical provisions to foster development of rental housing serving individuals with extremely low incomes, chief among them a new Housing Trust Fund.
Support Legislation to Reduce Criminalization and Provide Resources for Postpartum Depression Education
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has introduced a package of bills, the Advancing America's Priorities Act (S. 3297) that includes the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act (S 2304/HR 3992) and the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act (S 1375).
Victory on Medicare!!!
Late yesterday, the House and Senate successfully overrode the President’s veto of legislation (HR 6331) making critical reforms and improvements to the Medicare program for beneficiaries living with mental illness.
President Vetoes Medicare Legislation – Congress To Vote on Overriding Veto
President Bush today vetoed a major package of Medicare reforms. The House and Senate are expected to vote on overriding the veto later this week.
Senate Passes Medicare Legislation!
By a vote of 69-30, the Senate on July 9 passed a critical package of Medicare beneficiary improvements. In addition to preventing a cut in fees to physicians, the legislation (HR 6331) also makes improvement to the Part D drug benefit and establishes parity for cost sharing for outpatient mental health services.
JUNE
The Healthy Transition Act of 2008 (H.R.6375/S.3195)
Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) hosted a press conference on Wednesday, June 25th to announce the introduction of The Healthy Transition Act of 2008 (H.R.6375/S.3195).
Victory on Medicaid Regulations!
Last night the Senate gave final approval to a supplemental war funding bill that includes moratoria on regulations that would have severely limited the ability of states to fund critical mental health services through the Medicaid program.
Act Now! Senate Votes on Medicare This Week!
By the end of this week, the Senate is expected to vote on a package of reforms to the Medicare program, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331).
Act Now to End Discrimination in Medicare!
On June 24, the House is expected to vote on a package of reforms to the Medicare program, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331).
Push the House to Strengthen the ADA!
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote as early as tomorrow on legislation to expand existing protections under the landmark 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The bill is designed to reverse a number of Supreme Court decisions that over the years that have narrowed the scope of ADA protections in the workplace.
Critical Vote on Medicaid This Week! Contact Congress Today!
Later this week the House is expected to take up an emergency supplemental funding measure (S 2642) that includes legislation to delay seven separate regulations that would result in deep cuts to critical mental health services under Medicaid. House leaders are considering removing the delay on at least some of the Medicaid regulations, particularly the case management regulation. It is critical that the moratoria on all seven regulations stay in the supplemental funding bill, despite an expected veto threat from the President.
Senate Moves on Medicare Legislation – Support Improvements to Part D and Parity for Outpatient Mental Illness Treatment
The Senate is expected to take up legislation to make long overdue improvements to the Medicare program. A bipartisan package of reforms developed by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) would add critical beneficiary protections to the Part D prescription drug benefit and require parity for cost sharing for outpatient mental health services.
MAY
House Establishes July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month
With strong showing of bipartison support, the House passed H. Con. Res. 134, establishing July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Senate Approves Emergency Spending Bill, Rejecting Cuts to Medicaid
On Thursday, the Senate, by a margin of 75-22, approved a package of emergency funding for the current fiscal year that includes an amendment stopping Medicaid regulations that would severely impair the ability of states to finance critical mental illness services.
Tell the Senate to Protect Medicaid!
Send a message to your Senators urging them to make sure the Medicaid moratoria stay in the war supplemental funding bill.
Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority MH Awareness Month
This week, the House is expected to pass H. Con. Res. 134, a resolution establishing a Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness, especially within minority communities.
Push Congress to Support Medicaid Moratoria!
This amendment includes a moratorium on seven separate regulations that regulations that would severely hamper the ability of states to invest in services critical to the needs of people with serious mental illness.
APRIL
Help Us Improve Supportive Housing!
HR 5772, important legislation to spur investment in permanent supportive housing has been introduced in Congress.
House Passes Medicaid Moratoria!
By a vote of 349-62, a bill to halt regulations that would undermine Medicaid financing of critical mental health services, passed the US House.
Tell Your Representative to Vote in Favor of the Medicaid Moratoria!
Efforts in Congress to halt regulations that would undermine Medicaid financing of critical mental health services are moving forward. The full House is expected to take up HR 5613 later this week.
Help Promote Awareness of Children’s Mental Health!
On Thursday, May 8th, in honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the House Mental Health Caucus is sponsoring a Congressional Briefing to focus on the value of effective school-based mental health programs.
House Panel Approves Moratoria on Medicaid Regulations!
Efforts in Congress to halt regulations that would undermine Medicaid financing of critical mental health services are moving forward. On April 9, an important House Subcommittee approved legislation (HR 5613) to impose moratoria on 7 separate Medicaid regulations.
House Clears Resolution on Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness
By a vote of 417-0, the House of Representatives today passed H.Res.
1005, urging recognition of Borderline Personality Disorder.
MARCH
Support Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness
NAMI strongly supports H.Res. 1005, a resolution to increase awareness of borderline personality disorder, and is urging all House members to cosponsor the measure.
Act Now to Stop Rules That Would Devastate Medicaid
Legislation has been introduced in the House that would prevent implementation of new regulations that would severely hamper the ability of states to use Medicaid to fund critical mental health services.
Act Now: Oppose Amendment to Restrict Medicaid
Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose the Grassley Amendment to the FY 2009 budget resolution on the Medicaid “reserve fund.”
House Passes Mental Health Parity Bill
By a vote of 268-148, the US House of Representatives on March 5th passed its version of the mental health insurance parity bill (HR 1424), setting up what is likely to be a difficult negotiation with the Senate, which passed its version (S 558) unanimously this past fall.
House to Act on Parity Bill
Later this week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up its version of the mental illness insurance parity bill (HR 1424).
NAMI National’s Position on the House Parity Bill
NAMI believes that the best chance for passage of parity in 2008 is for movement of a final bill similar to S 558 so that any final bill can get through the Senate and be sent to the President and be signed into law this year.
FEBRUARY
Senators Press for Moratorium on Medicaid Case Management Rules
A bipartisan coalition of Senators is pushing for a delay in regulations issued by the Bush Administration that would severely undermine the ability of states to use Medicaid to fund critical case management services.
House Passes Extension of 1996 Limited Parity Law
On February 6, the House passed legislation extending the 1996 Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) for an additional year.
White House Releases FY 2009 Budget
On February 3, President Bush unveiled his $3.1 trillion proposed budget plan for fiscal year (FY) 2008 - with increases sought for defense and homeland security, and tight controls on most domestic discretionary programs, holding them under inflationary increases.
JANUARY
Senators Press to Protect Medicaid in Economic Stimulus Package
As is being widely reported in the press, on January 29, the House passed a $150 billion economic stimulus package (HR 5140) by vote of 385-35. A bipartisan coalition of Senators is pushing to make sure that the package includes extra funding and protections to ensure that states can avoid cutting the Medicaid program in response to expected revenue shortfalls at the state level this year.
Support SAMHSA Reauthorization!
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is scheduled to consider legislation to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on January 30th.
Learn About the Candidates’ Views on Mental Healthcare
NAMI sent a questionnaire on leading mental health issues to all the presidential candidates. Candidates are answering and we encourage you to view their positions.
2007DECEMBER
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2008 Plan Year Begins on January 1st
January 1 marks the start of the new plan year for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2008. As the 2008 plan year approaches, NAMI is watching closely to ensure that beneficiaries with serious mental illness, especially low-income dual eligibles, are able to maintain continued access to drug coverage that meets their complex treatment needs.
Congress Passes Gun Reporting Law
Just before adjourning for the holidays, the U.S. Senate passed a bill, the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (HR 2640), to provide incentives to states to report the names of certain people with mental illnesses who are prohibited from purchasing guns. The House passed the bill several months ago and President Bush is expected to sign it into law.
Congress Passes Year-End Spending Bill
On December 19, Congress passed a year-end omnibus spending bill covering domestic discretionary spending including mental illness services and research funding.
House Passes Omnibus Budget
Late on Dec. 17th, the House, in a vote of 253-154, cleared a $516 billion omnibus spending bill that includes FY 08 funding for mental illness research and services, housing and veterans programs.
Call-In for Parity on Friday, December 7th
Time is now running short for Congress to take final action on mental illness insurance parity legislation before the end of the year. Only a few legislative days remain before the end of the year and lawmakers need to hear about the critical need to pass parity legislation before adjournment.
Funding for Mental Illness Research and Services, Housing and Homelessness At Risk
Congress is working on a compromise funding bill. At stake are increases for a range of NAMI priorities including mental illness research and services, as well as housing homelessness programs.
NOVEMBER
Help Improve Medicare for People with Mental Illness!
Senate deliberations on changes to Medicare open up the opportunity for amendments on three critical priorities for beneficiaries living with mental illness.
Senators Press Moratorium on CMS Medicaid Rehabilitation Rules
A bipartisan group of 39 U.S. Senators joined together to press for a moratorium on regulations that would severely limit the ability of state Medicaid agencies to fund important services under the Rehabilitation Option.
Tell Congress to Fund Housing and Homeless Programs for People with Serious Mental Illness!
Contact Congress and urge them to fund critical housing programs, by voting to override the President’s veto of legislation funding housing and homelessness programs for FY 2008 (also known as the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill, HR 3074).
We Need Your Help to Push Congress on Parity!
Late last week, the House of Representatives began a two week Thanksgiving holiday recess, without acting on legislation to require employers and health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses – insurance parity.
House Fails to Override President’s Veto of Mental Health Services and Research Funding
On November 15, the House voted 277-141, failing to override the President’s veto of the FY 2008 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill (HR 3043). The bill did not receive the required two-thirds majority to override the veto.
Act Today! Presidential Vetoes Threaten Funding for Mental Illness Research and Services
Help override the President’s veto of funding for mental illness research and services!
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2008 Plan Year Enrollment Begins
November 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2008. During the “open season” period for 2008 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2008. The open season ends December 31.
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: LIS and Dual Eligible Reassignment for 2008
November 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2008. During the “open season” period for 2008 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2008. The open season ends December 31.
President Bush Vetoes Funding for Mental Illness Research and Services Programs
On November 13, the President vetoed the FY 2008 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill (HR 3043) that includes FY 2008 funding for a broad range of health and human service programs including research at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and services programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Congress Agrees on Funding for Mental Illness Research, Services and Veterans Program – Presidential Veto Threatened
By a vote of 269-142, the House on November 6 passed the first of the major spending bills for FY 2008, sending to the President a package of bills funding labor, health, education and veterans programs. The President has already pledged to veto the package.
Congress Clears Latest Version of SCHIP Bill, 2nd Presidential Veto Expected
On November 1, the Senate voted 64-30 to another revised version of legislation reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This revised SCHIP bill passed the House on October 25 by a vote of 265-142. Like the previous version of SCHIP, this bill is expected to draw a Presidential veto.
OCTOBER
House Passes Revised SCHIP Bill
On October 25th, the House voted again on legislation to renew and improve the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Yesterday's vote follows a vote last week that fell 13 votes short of overriding the President’s veto of an SCHIP reauthorization bill (HR 976).
Help End Chronic Homelessness!
The Senate is considering the renewal of a program that helps bring permanent supportive housing those who need it most: people with serious mental illnesses and other disabilities.
House Fails to Override SCHIP Veto
On October 18, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to override President Bush’s veto of legislation to renew and strengthen the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Your Action Needed to Support Mental Illness Research and Services
This week the Senate is expected to take up legislation setting the budgets for mental illness research and services funding for FY 2008. The bill, known as the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill (S 1710) includes $11 billion more for health and education programs than the President requested. As a result, President Bush has threatened a veto.
Challenge the President’s Veto of Children’s Health Insurance
On October 18, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a motion to override President Bush’s veto of legislation renewing and improving the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Deadline: Submit Your Comments on the Proposed Medicaid Rule Before Friday!
This Friday, October 12th is the deadline for submitting comments on the proposed Medicaid rule that would threaten rehabilitative services.
Act Now to Support Affordable Housing!
On October 10, the House of Representatives will consider important legislation to authorize a new Housing Trust Fund to develop rental housing targeted to individuals with extremely low incomes, including people with serious mental illness living on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The National Housing Trust Fund
On October 10, the House of Representatives will consider important legislation to authorize a new Housing Trust Fund to develop rental housing targeted to individuals with extremely low incomes, including people with serious mental illness living on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
President Vetoes SCHIP Bill
On October 3, the President vetoed a critical measure renewing the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Efforts in the House and Senate to override this veto are expected later this month.
Support Mental Illness Research Funding!
Congress is still considering its funding bills for fiscal year 2008 – which means that there’s still time to push for increased funding for mental illness research.
SEPTEMBER
Proposed Medicaid Rule Threatens Services - Your Advocacy Urgently Needed
Proposed changes to rehabilitative services could have a devastating effect on services for people with mental illness. Act now!
House Passes SCHIP Legislation! Now, on to the Senate!
By a vote of 265-159 (and one member voting “present”) the House cleared legislation reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This is unfortunately 19 votes short of the level necessary to override the expected President veto. The bill now moves to the Senate later this week.
Let’s Push Congress of Children’s Health Insurance
Contact your members of Congress and urge them support SCHIP.
Senate Passes Parity!
Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S 558), legislation requiring health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses. The bill now moves to the House, where efforts are underway to move it forward later this fall.
AUGUST
Senate Passes Children’s Health Insurance Bill
Thanks to your support, the Senate passed legislation reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) on August 2 by a vote of 68-31.
JULY
Act Now to Support Children’s Mental Health – House and Senate Set to Vote on SCHIP Legislation
Take action today to ensure protections to SCHIP legislation.
Act Now to Strengthen the ADA!
Urge your Representatives to Support the ADA Restoration Act, and end discrimination against people with mental illness who are taking medication.
ACT NOW to Support Children's Mental Health
Urge your member of Congress to support reauthorization of SCHIP, the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
Act Now to Support Critical Mental Health Funding
The US House of Representatives will be voting on the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill which provides critical mental health funding.
JUNE
ACT NOW to push for Mental Health Parity!
U.S. Senators Pete Domenici (R-NM), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY), Senate sponsors of federal parity legislation (S 558), are expected to quickly press for action on a revised version of their bill to provide equivalent health plan coverage for the treatment of mental illness.
Help Push for Improvements to Gun Reporting Legislation
On June 13th, the US House passed a bill to provide more funding and incentives to states to report people to the National Instant Background Check System.
MAY
Help Raise Awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder!
A Congressional Briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder is scheduled for Tuesday May 8.
Support Funding for Housing!
Advocates are urged to support a proposal for funding for homeless programs, and oppose cuts to the Section 811 housing program.
APRIL
NAMI Celebrates National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Please write your members of Congress to urge them to attend briefings on children's mental health on May 8, 2007.
MARCH
Support Increased Funding for Mental Illness Research!
A bipartisan coalition of House leaders is currently working to secure additional funding above the President’s FY 2008 request for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Support Needed To End Discrimination In Medicaid!
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D - Texas) has introduced a bill, HR 1155, to repeal the current prohibition on the use of Federal Medicaid dollars to pay for services for individuals between the ages of 22 and 64 in private and public inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities. Please support this bill by contacting your member of Congress!
FEBRUARY
Senate Clears FY 2007 Spending Legislation, Measure Moves to President Bush
The Senate on February 14 gave final passage to the $463.5 billion continuing funding resolution for the remaining months of the current fiscal year (FY 2007). The bill (H.J.Res. 20) includes the current budgets for mental illness research at NIMH, mental health services at SAMHSA, housing programs at HUD and mental illness treatment services at the VA. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law shortly.
Senate HELP Committee Votes in Favor of Parity
On Wednesday, February 14, 2007, the Senate HELP Committee voted in favor of parity paving the way for a vote of the full Senate.
Senators Introduce Mental Illness Parity Legislation – Senate Committee Set for Immediate Action on Bill Ending Insurance Discrimination
On February 12, a bipartisan group of senators, led by longtime NAMI allies Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY), introduced legislation to require employers and health plans to equally cover treatment for mental illness. This legislation, would expand an existing 1996 federal law and prohibit employers and health plans from imposing durational treatment limits and financial limitations on coverage for mental illness that do not apply to all other medical conditions.
White House Releases FY 2008 Budget
Cuts Proposed for Mental Illness Research and Housing; Freeze Proposed for Most Mental Illness Services Programs; Increase Sought for Veterans Programs.
Act Now to Reduce Social Security Decision Delays!
People with mental illness who apply for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) or for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are currently waiting longer and longer for decisions on eligibility. This is especially the case for claimants that are forced to file appeals to overturn a denial of benefits to which they are entitled. Please notify your members of Congress to approve increased funds to alleviate this problem
House Passes Funding Measure for Fiscal Year 2007
By a vote of 286-140, the House, on January 31, passed a massive $463 billion funding measure for the current fiscal year covering the budgets for dozens of federal departments and agencies. The measure, known as a "continuing resolution" would extend most agencies and programs at their FY 2006 level for the remainder of the current fiscal year (FY 2007).
JANUARY
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Announce Money Follows the Person Grants
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced this week the first round of grantees for the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Projects.
2006DECEMBER
2007 Open Enrollment for Medicare Drug Benefit Ends on December 31
The current "Open Enrollment" process for the coming 2007 plan year for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit ends on December 31. Many Medicare beneficiaries now have until midnight on Sunday to make a decision about whether or not switch plans – or be forced to wait until the next open enrollment period in November 2007.
Final Adjournment Wrap-Up
Congress Clears Legislation Reforming NIH, Full-Year "Continuing Resolution" Expected Early Next Year, New SAMHSA Administrator Confirmed
Congress Reaches Final Adjournment – Resolution of FY 2007 Spending Bills Pushed Off Until February, 1996 parity Law Renewed
The 109th Congress has adjourned for the year leaving a number of issues unresolved, including FY 2007 spending bills covering all domestic agencies, including mental illness research and services, as well as veterans and housing programs.
NOVEMBER
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2007 Open Enrollment Period Begins Today; New Plan Options Available
On November 15th the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment period begins for 2007. Between November 15 and December 31, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to make plan selections for prescription drug coverage for calendar year 2007.
Post Election "Lame-Duck" Session Begins
Even though the 2006 elections are now over, the 2006 congressional session is not and House and Senate members returned to Washington on November 13th to complete unfinished business for this year, including current fiscal year funding bills covering a broad range of domestic programs including mental illness research and services, housing and veterans’ programs.
OCTOBER
Getting Ready for the Medicare Drug Benefit in 2007
Beginning on November 15, and running through December 31, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to enroll in a drug plan for 2007. Learn about changes that may affect you or your family.
Help Pass Mental Health Parity
Take action to ensure that Congress finally brings Mental Health Parity to a vote of the full House of Representatives.
Congress Adjourns For Fall Campaign, Action on Domestic Spending Bills Pushed Off to Post-Election "Lame Duck" Session
Congress has adjourned for the fall campaign season and in doing so pushed off work on a range of domestic issues until a "lame duck" legislative session that is expected to begin the week of November 17. Among the bills that Congress will have to confront when it returns are FY 2007 spending bills for mental illness research and services, housing and veterans programs.
SEPTEMBER
NAMI Election 2006 Tools
As candidates campaign for state and federal elections this fall, many NAMI advocates, leaders, and members will be engaging in the debate as part of their commitment to the NAMI movement and mission. In support of this effort, we have assembled some tools for you to use in elevating the issues of mental illness.
Senata Caucus on Mental Health Reform Briefing
The Senate Caucus on Mental Health Reform will hold a briefing entitled "Mental Health: A Public Health Crisis" on Wednesday, September 20th, 2006, featuring Dr. David Satcher, former Surgeon General of the United States.
JULY
Senate Committee Moves Forward on FY 2007 Spending Bills Covering Mental Illness Research and Services, Housing, Veterans Programs
Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a range of spending bills for FY 2007 covering a broad range of agencies and programs, including mental illness research and services, housing, and veterans programs.
Good News on Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirement
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issue an interim final rule regarding the Medicaid documentation requirements. The most important change from prior guidance is that individuals who become eligible for Medicaid through SSI and individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare are exempt from citizenship documentation requirements.
JUNE
Housing Update June 16, 2006
House Clears Housing Funding Legislation, Section 811 Funding Restored;
Funds for Supportive Housing for Hurricane Victims Stripped From Supplemental Spending Bill; Legislation on Section 8 Reforms and Students With Disabilities Moves Forward
CMS Issues Guidance on Citizenship Documentation
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) was signed into law on February 8, 2006. The bill includes new requirements for anyone currently on Medicaid or applying for Medicaid benefits. Starting July 1, 2006, anyone applying for or being recertified as Medicaid eligible will be required to document United States citizenship and identity. Prior to the DRA, states could allow individuals to self-declare citizenship. Now they will be required to show documentation.
MAY
House Passes Veterans Spending Bill
House Passes Veterans Spending Bill -- $400 Million Added for VA Mental Illness Treatment Services, $25 Million Added to Address Mental Health Needs of Soldiers Returning From Iraq and Afghanistan
NAMI warns about Research Funding Cuts 5-19-2006
Today at a Senate Hearing NAMI President, Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, testified on the importance of mental illness research and the need for continued investment in medical research on schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and major depression.
Medicare Drug Benefit Enrollment Period Expires
As is being widely reported in the press, the initial sign-up period for the new Medicare drug benefit expired on May 15. Starting May 16, Medicare beneficiaries that did not signed up for drug coverage will have to wait until the fall to enroll and their coverage will not be effective until January 1, 2007.
Threat to State Parity Laws Averted – For Now
By a vote 55-43, the Senate rejected the effort to limit debate on S 1955, legislation to authorize new small business health insurance plans that would have significantly undermine laws at the state level requiring health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses (insurance parity).
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2006 Enrollment Deadline Less Than 5 Days Away
As is being widely reported in the press, the initial sign-up period for the new Medicare drug benefit expires on May 15. After Monday, most Medicare beneficiaries that have not signed up for drug coverage will have to wait until next fall and their coverage will not be effective until January 1, 2007.
Senate Set to Consider Health Insurance Legislation
Next week, the Senate is scheduled to take up legislation that would place at risk the 39 existing state laws that require health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses.
NAMI Joins National Partners in Promoting Children’s Mental Health
SAMHSA is launching an annual initiative called National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which this year will take place on May 8 and every year will be designated to coincide with “May is Mental Health Month.”
APRIL
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: April 28, 2006
On April 27, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidelines requiring Medicare drug plans to continue covering medications for any beneficiaries already enrolled in the plan after a plan removes a medication from its list of covered drugs (also known as a formulary).
NAMI Applauds Representatives for Addressing Workforce Crisis in Children's Mental Health
On March 30th, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed an amendment (H.R. 609), sponsored by Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), which allows child and adolescent mental health professionals to be eligible for loan forgiveness. The Senate companion bill, entitled the Higher Education Amendments Act (S. 1614), is likely to be taken up by the full Senate in late April or May.
CATIE Phase II Released
On April 1, 2006, the latest in a series of major research studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) into the effectiveness of psychiatric medications was released.
Budget Update April 3, 2006
The week of April 3, the House of Representatives is scheduled to debate the FY 2007 Budget Resolution. Later this week, the House of Representatives is scheduled to debate the FY 2007 Budget Resolution.
MARCH
Medicare Part D update March 27, 2006
Initial transition rules for the Medicare Part D drug benefit will expire on March 31, allowing Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) to begin imposing restrictions on access to some medications on their preferred drug lists (also known as formularies).
FDA Panel Recommends Against Black Box Warnings For ADHD Medications
On March 22, 2006, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) recommended against requiring "black-box" warnings about potential risks associated with the use of stimulants to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
NAMI Statement on STAR*D Phase Two
Statement from NAMI executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick on the release of Star*D phase two findings.
Senate Passes Specter-Harkin Amendment
By a 73-27 vote, the Senate yesterday added $7 billion in spending authority to a broad range of health and human service programs as part of the FY 2007 budget resolution. This would allow additional funding authority for FY 2007 spending legislation covering mental illness research and services that will be taken up by Congress this coming summer.
Specter-Harkin Amendment to Boost Health Research and Services Funding
Work begins this week in the Senate on the FY 2007 budget resolution -- the fiscal blueprint that sets limits for all spending -- and Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) are planning an amendment to boost overall spending on health research and services by $7 billion above the President's request.
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: March 9, 2006
Last week the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for Medicare, issued guidelines that renew protections that require drug plans to offer broad coverage of psychotropic medications and cover all prescriptions new plan enrollees.
FEBRUARY
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: Consumer and Family Tip Sheet Available
The Medicare Part D drug benefit is now 45 days old and while many of the problems that plagued the early days of the benefit have been addressed, some problems persist. Of particular concern to NAMI are coverage gaps faced by low-income beneficiaries with severe mental illness who are concurrently (dually) eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
White House Releases FY 2007 Budget Proposal
President Bush, on February 6, 2006, unveiled his $2.77 trillion budget plan for the fiscal year (FY) 2007 - with major increases proposed for defense and homeland security, but an overall 2.3% reduction for most domestic discretionary programs.
Medicare Drug Benefit Update
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced yesterday that it is extending, for an additional 60 days, a requirement for drug plans to automatically cover medications prescribed to dual eligibles as of January 1.
House Passes Budget Cuts to Medicaid
The House on February 1st, 2006 gave final approval to a $39 billion package of budget cuts that will result in major changes in Medicaid including reductions aimed at beneficiaries across all eligibility categories and new flexibility for states that could result in higher cost sharing for recipients with mental illnesses and other disabilities.
JANUARY
House Set to Vote on Budget Bill That Includes Cuts to Medicaid
The House of Representatives is expected to vote next week on final passage of a massive package of budget cuts that includes some of the most important changes to the Medicaid program in years.
Medicare Drug Benefit Update: January 25, 2006
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to provide reimbursement to states that have elected to cover costs associated with gaps in coverage during the transition to the new Medicare drug benefit.
Medicare Part D Update
In order to address continuing problems with the implementation of the new Medicare drug benefit program, the Bush Administration has ordered prescription drug plans to provide a 30-day supply of any drug that a low-income beneficiary (including a dual eligible) was previously taking, for no more than $5 for each covered drug ($2 if the medication is generic).
How is the New Medicare Drug Benefit Working for You?
The new Medicare drug benefit went into effect on January 1. During the initial days of this benefit, NAMI is hearing both positive and negative stories from across the country about the initial transition period to the new benefit -- especially among low-income individuals with severe mental illness who are "dually eligible" for both Medicare and Medicaid.
2005DECEMBER
Medicare Drug Benefit Goes Live on January 1
More than two years after Congress passed legislation authorizing a new prescription drug benefit in Medicare, the program goes into effect on Sunday, January 1. There are growing concerns about how the initial period of transition to the new benefit will work.
Congress Clears Legislation Funding Mental Illness Research and Services
In its final action prior to adjournment for the year, the Senate gave final approval yesterday to legislation allocating FY 2006 funding for labor, health, and education programs including mental illness research at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and mental illness treatment and services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Senate Passes Budget Bill That Is Harmful For Medicaid Recipients With Serious Mental Illnesses
This morning, the Senate passed the Budget Reconciliation package (S 1932) on a 50-50 tie vote, with Vice President Dick Cheney casting the tie-breaking vote, allowing the bill to pass. S 1932, as passed, allows states to impose co-pays and other cost sharing requirements in their Medicaid programs.
House-Passed Budget Legislation Would Harm Medicaid Beneficiaries With Serious Mental Illness; Senate Vote Pending
The legislation, known as the "budget reconciliation" package now moves to the Senate which is expected to move on the legislation as early as tonight. The vote is expected to be very close.
House and Senate Leaders Move Toward Agreement on Medicaid Cuts
Congressional leaders and the Bush Administration are working toward an agreement on budget legislation that will include important changes to Medicaid, including new authority for states to impose higher cost sharing requirements for critical services including prescriptions, physician services and inpatient care.
Congress Grapples With Medical Research Funding
Congress returns to Washington on December 6 and will again try to pass spending legislation for health, labor, and education programs. Included in this legislation is FY 2006 funding for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and a Senate proposal to boost mental illness research funding by $48.2 million.
NOVEMBER
Congress Completes Action on Budgets for Housing, Veterans' and Criminal Justice Programs
Just prior to beginning a two-week Thanksgiving holiday recess, the House and Senate on November 18 passed legislation containing the 2006 budgets for housing, veterans', and criminal justice programs. These bills restore deep cuts that had been proposed for housing assistance to low-income people with mental illness and boost funding for treatment and services for veterans' with mental illness.
House Clears Budget Package Including Medicaid Cuts
Early this morning, the House passed (217-215) the long expected budget “reconciliation” package that includes $11.4 billion in reductions to the Medicaid program over the next 5 years. This sends the budget “reconciliation” measure to a conference committee with the Senate that will try to resolve differences between the two bills.
Enrollment for Medicare Drug Benefit Begins
As of November 15, Medicare beneficiaries can begin signing up for prescription drug coverage. The actual benefit goes into effect on January 1, 2006 and the initial enrollment period will run through May 15, 2006.
House Set to Vote on Changes to Medicaid
Later this week the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a $53.9 billion deficit reduction package that includes at least $10 billion in reductions to Medicaid, including new authority for states to require higher cost sharing and premiums from beneficiaries.
OCTOBER
House and Senate Set to Consider Legislation Reforming and Cutting Medicaid
This week and next, both the House and Senate will be taking up legislation to reform the Medicaid program and achieve a net $10 billion in savings over the next 5 years.
Housing Update: Senate to Consider 2006 HUD Budget
This week the Senate is expected to take up the FY 2006 funding bill for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill (HR 3058) includes funding for critically important housing programs serving low-income people with mental illness including Section 811, permanent housing under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Section 8 rental voucher program.
SEPTEMBER
CMS Announces the Names of Plans Offering Coverage for the New Medicare Rx Benefit
On September 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the names of the plans in each state that will be offering coverage under the upcoming Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Senators Introduce Legislation Expanding Medicaid Assistance for Hurricane Katrina Victims
A bipartisan coalition of Senators introduced legislation to temporarily expand eligibility and services for Medicaid in response to Hurricane Katrina. The legislation includes expanded federal matching funds (i.e., a 100% federal matching rate) through December 31, 2006 for Louisiana, Mississippi and impacted counties in Alabama.
House and Senate Leaders Delay Action on Medicaid Proposals
As a result of the urgent need to respond to the Hurricane Katrina emergency, House and Senate leaders announced on September 12 that action on separate legislation to cut future Medicaid spending by $10 billion over the next 5 years has been delayed until at least October 26.
Action Needed to Preserve Medicaid Funding for ACT Programs
On September 6, Congress returns from its month-long summer recess and will begin work on a massive budget measure that includes a requirement to limit future Medicaid spending by $10 billion over the next 5 years.
AUGUST
NAMI Strongly Urges Families to Submit Comments on Proposed IDEA Regulations
In December 2004, President Bush signed into law a bill that re-authorizes The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - our nation’s special education law.
NAMI’s Letter to the U.S. Department of Education on Proposed IDEA Regulations
In December 2004, President Bush signed into law a bill that re-authorizes The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - our nation’s special education law.
Medicaid Reform Commission Endorses Higher Co-Payments for Prescription Drugs
On August 18, a federal Commission charged with developing changes to the Medicaid program endorsed a series of recommendations to Congress for trimming future spending by $10 billion over the next 5 years.
Congress to Consider Major Medicaid Changes in September
This week the House and Senate began a month long summer recess, during which members of Congress will be in their states and districts across the country. One of the major issues Congress will confront upon their return to work in September is how to reduce future Medicaid expenditures by $10 billion over the next five years.
JULY
Congress Begins August Recess After Flurry of Legislative Activity
Today Congress began a month-long summer recess after a flurry of legislative activity that included action on Association Health Plan (AHP) legislation by the House and movement by the Senate on spending legislation covering the budgets of NIMH, SAMHSA, HUD and the VA.
House Passes Association Health Plan Legislation
On July 26, the House cleared legislation vastly expanding multi-employer Association Health Plans (AHPs) and potentially undermining existing state laws that require health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses – commonly referred to as parity.
Landmark Roadmap for Mental Health Reform Released
The Campaign for Mental Health Reform, a partnership of 16 national mental health organizations, including NAMI, released an important report today recommending a series of actions that Congress and the Administration can take to improve services for people with mental illnesses.
Federal Government Releases Action Plan For Transformation Of Mental Health Services
SAMHSA, in collaboration with seven cabinet level federal agencies, recently released an Action Plan describing initial steps to be taken as part of a multi-year effort to alter the form and function of America's mental health system.
House to Consider Association Health Plan Legislation
Later this week the U.S. House of Representatives will consider legislation to vastly expand multi-employer Association Health Plans (AHPs) and undermine existing state laws that require health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses - commonly referred to as parity.
House Clears Housing Funding Legislation
By a vote of 405-18, the House cleared legislation funding the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for FY 2006, on June 30.
JUNE
Medicare Drug Benefit Update
In a major victory for Medicare beneficiaries living with mental illness, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued guidelines to the private sector plans that will be administering the upcoming Medicare drug benefit requiring them to offer broad interrupted coverage of "all or substantially all" medications within specific therapeutic categories.
Oppose the Paul Amendment
On Thursday, June 23, the House of Representatives is scheduled to consider legislation funding the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for FY 2006. During debate on this important measure, Representatives Ron Paul (R-TX) is expected to offer an amendment to bar federal funding for screening and early intervention programs targeted to children and adolescents with mental illness.
MAY
Tuesday, May 10: PBS Airs Frontline Report On Criminalization
On May 10, PBS will broadcast a documentary entitled "The New Asylums", an in-depth look at the realities of mental illness filmed inside the Ohio state prison system.
Senate Allies Push for Suicide Prevention Funding
A bipartisan coalition of House members -- led by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Harry Reid (D-NV) -- are currently pushing their colleagues to include funding for recently authorized federal initiatives to expand effective youth suicide prevention services.
NAMI To Participate in Congressional Briefing on Children's Mental Health
There is a critical need for our nation to improve the early identification of mental disorders in children and adolescents and to ensure early and appropriate intervention.
Congress Clears $2.6 Trillion Budget Plan, $10 Billion in Cuts to Medicaid Included
On Thursday, April 28 both the House and Senate narrowly cleared the FY 2006 budget resolution setting forth binding limits for both mandatory and discretionary programs for the next five years.
APRIL
House to Consider Association Health Plan Legislation
Later this week the U.S. House of Representatives will consider legislation to vastly expand multi-employer Association Health Plans (AHPs) and undermine existing state laws that require health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses -- commonly referred to as parity.
Legislation to Address Chronic Homelessness and Mental Illness Introduced
This past week, a bipartisan coalition of Senators and House members introduced legislation to further the cause of ending chronic homelessness over the next decade.
House Allies Push for Suicide Prevention Funding
A bipartisan coalition of House members -- led by Representatives Bart Gordon (D-TN), Tom Osborne (R-NE) and Danny Davis (D-IL) -- are currently pushing their colleagues to include funding for recently authorized federal initiatives to expand effective youth suicide prevention services.
Senators Press for Funding Mental Illness Criminal Justice Programs
A bipartisan coalition of Senators and House members are pressing their colleagues to include funding in the FY 2006 budget for the Justice Department to support newly authorized programs to help local communities cope with the disturbing trend of "criminalization" of mental illness.
MARCH
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