Louisiana Senate Bill SR152

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/16/10
• Passed: 6/17/10

Caption

Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Louisiana-based community mental health centers and to report to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2011.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the potential economic ramifications if Louisiana's community mental health centers fail to meet the new payor mix threshold mandated by the ACA. It highlights that approximately 90% of the services are currently directed to Medicare beneficiaries, and failure to adapt to the new structure could result in a significant loss of funding. Additionally, the resolution stresses the estimated increase of Medicaid beneficiaries due to expanded eligibility rules, asserting that this expansion would likely complicate the centers' ability to comply with the ACA requirements, thereby challenging their operational viability.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 152, initiated by Senator McPherson, urges the Department of Health and Hospitals to conduct a study on the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Louisiana-based community mental health centers. A primary focus of the resolution is on the significant changes mandated by the ACA, particularly the requirement that 40% of the services from community mental health centers be provided to non-Medicare recipients beginning April 2011. Given that these centers currently serve a predominantly Medicare-insured population, the impending requirement poses serious financial implications that could jeopardize funding for these centers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR152 is one of urgency and concern for the continued viability of community mental health services in Louisiana. Supporters of the resolution view this study as essential for understanding how to navigate the complex changes brought about by the ACA while continuing to provide necessary services. However, there remains a broader concern regarding the adequacy of funding and support for mental health services amid increasing enrollment in Medicaid, leading to apprehension about potential service reductions and gaps in care for vulnerable populations.

Contention

The resolution invites the Department of Health and Hospitals to consider key factors during their study, including the costs of expanding participation in the Medicaid program and any required actions to maintain the community mental health centers' participation in Medicare. The contention lies in the balance between adapting to new federal standards mandated by the ACA while safeguarding the financial stability and operational capacity of local mental health centers, which are crucial to providing comprehensive behavioral health services across Louisiana.