"The House passed legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) on Wednesday mainly along party lines.  SCHIP or HR 2 was passed by the Senate last week and was signed into law by President Obama on February 4." 

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare’s February 5th Public Policy Update includes information on the recent federal legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP).  

To read the Public Policy Update, click here.

To view The National Council SCHIP Fact Sheet, click here. 

A state budget shortfall of nearly $1 billion dollars is forcing Legislators to take on some difficult funding decisions this year.  At major risk are Colorado’s most vulnerable populations, many of whom may rely on medical assistance programs such as Medicaid.  This article by Lisa Ryckman and Ed Sealover of the Rocky Mountain News discusses the situation and potential areas for budget cuts.

Click here to read the article.

Save the Date!  The CBHC 2009 Annual Mental Health Day at the Capitol is taking place on Thursday, February 5th, from 8am-3pm. 

RSVP to Brian Turner: bturner@cbhc.org by January 15th!

This informative press release highlights aspects of the new Parity Legislation that passed as a result of the passage of the Economic Stabilization Act. 

Read how parity can effect mental health treatment and more in Colorado.   

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act, S. 2304 on September 29th.  It is now on its way to the President’s desk and, if signed, will reauthorize the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA) for an additional five years. 

Read more..

The Colorado Healthcare Task Force met on Thursday, September 25 to vote on what proposed legislation will be carried during the 2009 Legislative Session.  Those  approved for introductions include:

Bill 1 - Behavioral Health Commission                     

Bill 3 - Oral Health Care Coverage

Bill 4 - Complaint Process CICP                            

Bill 5 - E-Prescribing         

Bill 9 - Peer Review Health Care Providers              

Bill 10 - Report Hospital Infection Rates Criteria

Click here to see drafts of ALL LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO THE HEALTHCARE TASK FORCE

CBHC has made available a variety of fact sheets, newsletters and advocacy tools at CBHC.org.  Click on the Fact Sheets link under Media Resources to access.  It is vital that we all take on the advocate role to reach out and inform those responsible for the future of mental health care in Colorado!  Thanks to everyone for the continued support and feedback!  Don’t forget to identify and contact your local and state policy makers as well -  Legislative/Public Policy link. 

Click here for a helpful document indicating both the CO State Senate and House of Representatives 2008 after primary candidates.  It breaks down the district, party, district description, registration stats, and a category for other information

Congress overwhelmingly supported a new Medicare bill that includes the elimination of discriminatory mental health copays.  Read the Press Release from The National Council. 

Learn all about H.R. 6331: Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008

"Today, President Bush signed the Iraq war supplemental appropriations bill into law. This legislation includes a one-year delay in the implementation of six of seven recent Medicaid regulations - including both case management and the rehabilitative service option. Thank you to all National Council members who contacted your Senators and Representatives to urge them to vote to preserve Medicaid. Your calls and e-mails have made a difference!"  Chuck Ingoglia, MSW
Vice President, Public Policy 

Click here to learn more or check out Issues section under Legislative Updates.