Us Congress Senate Bill SB3430

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/7/23

Caption

Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act of 2023

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant ramifications on state laws regarding mental health and substance use disorder treatments, particularly by facilitating states in opting to provide medical assistance to inmates diagnosed with substance use disorders. These provisions aim to ensure that individuals receiving treatment maintain their Medicaid eligibility, thus promoting continuity of care even in incarceration settings. Additionally, by establishing federally-backed financial participation for states under specific guidelines, SB3430 could encourage states to enhance their mental health care infrastructure.

Summary

SB3430, titled the 'Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act of 2023', aims to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act. The main objectives include expanding the mental health care workforce and services, lowering prescription drug costs, and extending certain provisions within Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specific provisions are introduced to incentivize mental health and substance use disorder services under Medicare, improve access to behavioral health care, and broaden the eligibility for related financial assistance programs.

Contention

However, a notable point of contention related to the bill involves the balance between state and federal authority in health care provision. Some stakeholders express concerns about federal overreach in state health care matters, particularly regarding mandates for Medicaid participation and service eligibility criteria. The implications for drug pricing strategies and pharmacy access, particularly for rural and underserved communities, may also lead to debates regarding the effectiveness of the proposed measures compared to existing frameworks.