Parity Included in SCHIP Law signed by President Obama

"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. 

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Medicaid recipients wait for budget ax to fall

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.

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2009 Annual Mental Health Day at the Capitol

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!

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New Parity Legislation Will Help Thousands Of Families, Hundreds of Communities Across Colorado

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.   

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Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Bill Headed to President’s Desk

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. 

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Colorado Healthcare Task Force Bills to Carry in 2009

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

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