Safety Net Funding for Mental Health Services Remains Imperative

Following is an excerpt of an opinion-editorial piece that was recently published by the Star-Ledger on www.nj.com:

The state Legislature will soon release its budget for fiscal year 2018.  It is imperative that it include safety net funding for community-based providers as their mental health services are transitioned to a fee-for-service reimbursement system.

This funding is critical to ensuring that tens of thousands of New Jerseyans do not lose access to services that will leave them at risk of health complications requiring much more costly treatment in emergency departments and hospital inpatient units.

Keeping providers fiscally viable so they can maintain patient access to care, as well as continuity and quality of care, will not only save thousands of lives, but will also save the state millions of dollars.

Lives are at stake. The state needs to make the wise investment of safety net funding now to prevent the exorbitant financial costs and the unconscionable costs to lives that will occur without it. We urge all New Jerseyans to support this critical funding.

Click here to read this entire article.

NJAMHAA’s Advocacy Builds Potential for New Legislation and Funding Increases

This year, NJAMHAA has surpassed its own record in being nonstop active and effective in advocacy. Most recently and notably, our communication with state legislators and policymakers has led to the introduction of a fee-for-service (FFS) oversight bill and legislation for safety-net funding. In addition, we provided substantial input on legislation to expand screening centers and Early Intervention Support Services, which was recently passed by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. We also submitted budget resolutions for FFS safety net funding, a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment on remaining contracts, and increased rates for Care Management Organizations for the FY 2018 State Budget, all of which are circulating in both the Assembly and Senate.

Our partnership with members is a key factor in the impact we are having. We rely on our members’ experiences and insights on the impact of regulations, legislation and reimbursement changes, as well as clients’ success stories, to maximize our effectiveness.

Success stories are particularly effective in local advocacy and I urge all of our members to share these compelling examples of their services’ value with their local legislators. Illustrations of how funding restrictions and regulatory changes can harm individuals and families are equally poignant.

Everyone can have an impact.

All of our member providers do have impact through the vital services they provide every day. An inspiring example of all NJAMHAA providers’ personal dedication is Lou Schwarcz, former President and CEO of the Mental Health Association of Morris County. Lou has made the admirable decision to step down from his position and achieve a merger with the Mental Health Association of Essex County to ensure that clients do not lose services and that most of the MHAMC staff remains employed. I look forward to honoring Lou with the Unparalleled Leadership in Serving New Jersey’s Mental Health Community Award during our upcoming Membership Meeting.