On December 9, the bipartisan legislation Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act (S.3402) was introduced in the U.S. Senate, marking an important step toward expanding nationwide access to care through Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). The bill was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
If enacted, the legislation would strengthen the sustainability of the CCBHC model, support workforce development, and help reduce strain on emergency departments, law enforcement, and other community partners by expanding access to coordinated, community-based behavioral health care.
For Colorado providers and the people and communities they serve, this represents an important step toward long-term sustainability and expanded access to coordinated, community-based care.
Key provisions of the legislation include:
Establishing a sustainable Medicaid payment option through the CCBHC prospective payment system (PPS), allowing states to expand evidence-based services, strengthen the workforce, and ensure more predictable funding while maintaining state flexibility.
Advancing integrated care by allowing CCBHCs the option to provide additional services, including primary care.
Recognizing CCBHCs as a Medicare provider type reimbursed through a PPS, improving access for older adults and dually eligible individuals and supporting clinics as they expand service capacity.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has developed a one-pager with additional details on the bill. We encourage your to contact your members of Congress to express support for this legislation and the CCBHC model.
CBHC will continue to monitor the bill’s progress and keep stakeholders informed as it moves forward.
