Millions of Americans are living with mental health and substance use disorders. MHLG is committed to support these individuals, their families, and communities by advocating for their interests in the context of the national health care reform debate. MHLG works tirelessly to bring behavioral health into the forefront of health care reform and will continue to do so until all individuals have access to quality services.
- MHLG Thanks President Obama and Vice President Biden on Holding the National Conference on Mental Health, 6.20.13: A letter to former President and Vice President thanking them for their leadership to address mental health issues and for holding a conference that launched a “national dialogue on mental health.”
- MHLG Offers Comments on the Proposed Approach for Rulemaking to Define Essential Health Benefits, 1.31.12: MHLG urges HHS for national floor of coverage, enforcement of parity protections, education campaigns, preventative services, and state mandates for treatment services as essential health benefits.
- MHLG Recommends Amending the Definition of “Medical Necessity” in rule 76 Fed. Reg. 52475 of the ACA, 10.21.11: MHLG advocates to amend the proposed definition of “Medical Necessity” to ensure that coverage for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders is not threatened.
- MHLG Opposed H.R. 2, which would Repeal the Health Care Reform Law, 1.13.11: A letter to Former Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi expressing opposition to the repeal of the ACA.
- MHLG Encourages the Use of the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Model to design health benefit plans, 12.13.10: A letter to Former HHS Secretary Sebelius encouraging the use of the ECHO model to design benefit plans that encompass broader spectrum of health needs.
- MHLG Requests that a Behavioral or Mental Health Professional be Added to the National Healthcare Workforce Commission, 12.2.10: Letter to Acting Comptroller General expressing concern about the lack of behavioral health representation on the commission and requesting future inclusion of behavioral health field.
- MHLG Thanks Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid for Their Support and Efforts to Pass Health Care Reform Legislation, 3.18.10: A letter thanking Pelosi and Reid for their efforts, but urges them to continue to move legislation through that advances the mental and behavioral health needs of our nation.
- MHLG Urges Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to Pass Health Care Reform Legislation, 2.1.10: A letter encouraging Pelosi and Reid to pass legislation in a timely manner.
- MHLG Thanks Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid for Their Commitment and to Reform the Health Care System, 1.12.10: A letter thanking House and Senate leaders for their leadership to reform the health care system to address mental health and substance use coverage, integrated care, prevention and wellness, research, workforce development, and other important issues that improve care and access.
- MHLG Expresses Support for H.R. 3962, 11.4.09: A letter to Pelosi expressing support for the H.R. 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act that helps ensure individuals have access to affordable and quality health services.
- MHLG Recommends Senate Leaders to Consider Key Facets of Health Reform to Improve Care for Individuals with Mental Health Illnesses, 10.23.09: A letter urging Senate leaders to consider a broad range of key issues that affect those with behavioral health issues to ensure comprehensive and quality health care services.
- MHLG Expresses Support for Modified Health Reform, “America’s Healthy Future Act,” 09.24.09: A letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman expressing support for the modified draft health reform legislation that focused on MHLG priorities previously expressed to leaders.
- MHLG Expresses Support for H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,” 07.17.09: A letter to House Committee Chairs expressing support for health reform legislation that includes MHLG priorities expressed in previous letters to leaders.
- MHLG Expresses Support for Draft “Affordable Health Choices Act,” 06.16.09: A letter to Edward Kennedy and Michael Enzi showing enthusiasm and support for this draft legislation and appreciation for these individual’s leadership in working to increase access and improve quality care services.
- MHLG Identifies Key Principles of Health Reform Endorsed by the Coalition, 05.12.09: A letter to House and Senate leaders naming certain principles that the coalition finds as key principles to strong health care reform legislation.
- MLHG Expresses Support for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, 04.06.09: A letter to Representative Pallone showing support for the CLASS act that provides long-term care, supports families, and relieves pressures on the Medicaid program.
- MHLG Expresses Support for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, 04.06.09: A letter to Senator Edward Kennedy showing support for the CLASS act that provides long-term care, supports families, and relieves pressures on the Medicaid program.