November 30, 2016

Contact:    Holly Bode
                   National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC)
                   hbode@nchc.org
                   202-638-7151, ext. 108

                 NCHC Applauds Important Steps in Mental Health Before the House of Representatives
Statement by National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) President and CEO
John Rother on the Behavioral Health Provisions in 21^st Century Cures

“NCHC applauds the House of Representatives, especially Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, for the important steps taken today to address mental health and substance abuse in the 21^st Century Cures legislation.  These issues are among the greatest public health challenges facing our country today, adding not only to the costs of health care, but destroying families and communities.  And although we oppose the bill’s reductions to the Prevention and Public Health Fund, we are encouraged that Congress has found a path forward on these critical behavioral health issues.

“We are also pleased to see the inclusion of provisions that reform the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program and encourage interoperability of electronic medical records.

“Today’s progress could not have been made without strong efforts on both sides of the aisle. Alongside Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Pallone, Subcommittee Chair Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO) deserve recognition for their tireless efforts.

“But even after today’s legislation is signed, there is more to be done to build on(r-Mi) today’s bipartisan success.  Congress must appropriate the resources to fund the programs authorized in today’s legislation. Enormous barriers persist to effective behavioral health care, including the IMD exclusion and lack of support for community mental health centers.   And as Congress debates the broader direction of health care policy next year, they must avoid steps that destabilize access to treatment.  Until these challenges are met as well, the human and financial cost of untreated mental illness and substance abuse will continue to burden our families, our communities, and our public programs.”

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The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC), the oldest and most diverse group working to achieve comprehensive health system reform, is a 501(c)(3) organization representing more than 80 participating organizations, including medical societies, businesses, unions, health care providers, faith-based associations, pension and health funds, insurers and groups representing consumers, patients, women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Member organizations collectively represent – as employees, members, or congregants – over 100 million Americans.

Some members of NCHC do not, or cannot, take positions either on specific legislation, strategies or on any policies outside their respective mission areas. However, all that can, do endorse broad policy positions in support of comprehensive health system change.