Health and Health Insurance - Behavioral Health Services - Expansion (Behavioral Health System Modernization Act)
This bill will significantly alter state law by increasing government funding and support for behavioral health services. Specifically, it calls for appropriations in the state budget, including $15 million for fiscal year 2024, with increases across subsequent fiscal years. The mandated expansion of services is expected to improve access to mental health care for Maryland residents, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as children and youth requiring intensive support.
House Bill 935, titled the Behavioral Health System Modernization Act, aims to expand and modernize behavioral health services in Maryland. The bill requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide reimbursement for various services, including behavioral health peer recovery, crisis response, and measurement-based care. Additionally, it mandates the Maryland Department of Health to enhance access to collaborative care and wraparound services, thus focusing on a more integrated approach to mental health care.
Notably, there may be points of contention regarding the funding allocations and the effectiveness of these expanded services. Critics may raise concerns about whether sufficient resources will be allocated to ensure quality service delivery across the new programs, particularly in rural areas. There may also be discussions around the potential integration challenges in melding traditional behavioral health services with newly introduced models like the Collaborative Care Model, which emphasizes co-managed care in primary health settings.