Bill 119 s 931, also known as the "Behavioral Health Integration Act," aims to make changes to title XVIII of the Social Security Act in order to encourage the integration of behavioral health services into primary care settings. The bill seeks to address the growing need for mental health and substance abuse services by incentivizing healthcare providers to offer these services alongside traditional medical care.
Specifically, the bill proposes financial incentives for healthcare providers who integrate behavioral health services into their practices. This could include reimbursement for services provided by psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals, as well as funding for training and infrastructure to support integrated care.
The goal of the bill is to improve access to mental health and substance abuse services for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in underserved communities. By incentivizing integration, the bill aims to reduce stigma around mental health issues and improve overall health outcomes for patients.
Overall, the Behavioral Health Integration Act seeks to address the growing need for mental health and substance abuse services by encouraging healthcare providers to offer these services alongside traditional medical care. The bill aims to improve access to care for Medicare beneficiaries and reduce stigma around mental health issues.