Advocacy Alert: August 2024 Legislative News Round Up

September 5, 2024

For those of you who follow us on social media know, we post news stories on a daily basis that are connected to the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

Many of these are news stories regarding legislation, so once a month we send out a 'news roundup' of related news stories we've posted. Unless otherwise stated, NBHAP has no official stance on any of these stories: the intention is to share so that we're all better informed as to what's happening in the legislative world.

A reminder that NBHAP members get access to a monthly update with our advocate in Washington, DC, to find out what is going on and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us for more information on that.

Biden administration should push for addiction medication in recovery houses, groups say
Shared 8/1/2024
The Biden administration isn't doing enough to ensure people living in recovery housing have access to gold-standard addiction medications like methadone and buprenorphine, according to a coalition of health care, harm reduction, and addiction recovery groups.

KY | Lawmakers join Kentucky's largest addiction treatment provider to oppose Medicaid payment cuts
Shared 8/1/2024
Some defenders of Addiction Recovery Care have received political donations from company's owner.

Casey bill would expand Medicare coverage for patients with substance use disorders
Shared 8/2/2024
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) on Thursday is introducing a bill to fill a gap in Medicare coverage for patients with substance use disorders (SUD).

US senator introduces legislation aiming to expand addiction treatment for seniors on Medicare
Shared 8/5/2024
Addiction among older Americans is on the rise, prompting Congress to take action now to ensure those over 65 can afford the treatment they need.

President Calls for Greater Penalties on Pill Press Importers
Shared 8/5/2024
Illegal fentanyl has become a leading cause of death for young adults.

NE | Families of children with developmental disabilities to get assistance paying for medical service
Shared 8/5/2024
Nebraska families with a child who has a developmental or intellectual disability will have an easier time paying for medical appointments, under a new regulatory change.

Senate Committee Approves Over $8B in Behavioral Health Funding
Shared 8/7/2024
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has approved about $8.05 billion related to behavioral health across multiple parts of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS).

MT | Behavioral health commission seeks lawmakers' input on funding recommendations
Shared 8/7/2024
A state commission introduced its initial recommendations for investing millions of dollars into Montana's behavioral health system earlier this year.

Senator demands more veteran access to VA's military sex trauma resources
Shared 8/8/2024
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., expressed his ongoing concerns with the lack of coordination between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments in making servicemembers aware of their eligibility for VA services like confidential counseling.

Proposed Bill Requires States to Use Opioid Settlement Funds to Address the Opioid Epidemic
Shared 8/22/2024
More than $50 billion in settlement money is expected to make its way to state and local governments.

CA | Advocates say California falls short on addiction treatment for young people
Shared 8/22/2024
Many California teens who deal with addiction don't have access to evidence-based treatment.

IA | Iowa officials unveil new behavioral health system map to better address mental health
Shared 8/22/2024
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law earlier this year a plan to merge mental and behavioral health services offered in the state, which top state officials hope will streamline system functions and improve access for Iowans who struggle with mental or substance use disorders.

President Biden's Overdose Awareness Week Proclamation
Shared 8/26/2024
This week, beginning today, Sunday, August 25 through Satuday, August 31, is being regonized as Overdose Awareness Week. This year's international theme is "Together we can."

ID | Public comment open on Idaho Behavioral Health Council strategic plan
Shared 8/27/2024
Members of the public can weigh in by writing to the council, or they can attend in-person or virtual forums planned in August in Bonneville, Kootenai and Canyon counties.

KS | Legislation formally designates Kansas City VA outpatient clinic to be named after Kansas veteran
Shared 8/29/2024
New federal legislation has been signed into law that will formally designate a VA outpatient clinic in Kansas City, Kan., to be named after a native Kansas veteran.

First Spouses Lead Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Initiative
Shared 8/30/2024
Fentanyl awareness and prevention is a top priority for the nation's Governors and First Spouses.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

A reminder that NBHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC. If you have any questions about NBHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.