NJAMHAA
is always on the move, advocating on behalf of our member providers and the
individuals who depend on their services as many systemic changes are taking
place and still more are being proposed.
In
early July, the second cohort of mental health providers transitioned to
fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement; some providers of Community Support
Services (CSS) also started FFS reimbursement for these programs; Governor
Christie proposed a reorganization of mental health and substance use services
by moving them the Department of Human Services (DHS)/Division of Mental Health
and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to the Department of Health (DOH); we have a
gubernatorial election coming up soon. On the federal level, there are daily
changes and ongoing concerns about the federal healthcare law. As recently as
early the morning of July 28th, the Senate rejected the GOP’s
“skinny” version of their Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal bill, and shortly
before the vote had introduced a new bill, the Health Care Freedom Act.
NJAMHAA
is also on the move – literally. On July 31st, we will be in our new
office, only two buildings away from our previous location. Regardless of the
distance, it is, of course, a huge, time-consuming project. And as we undergo
this change, we continue to keep our ear to the ground, listening to your concerns, which we share, and remaining as active as ever in our advocacy.
Regarding
FFS, we are continuing to advocate for safety-net funding, which is the focus
of the Community Mental Health Safety Net Act (S3121/A4827). We are also
staying on top of the challenges CSS providers are encountering in the
implementation of this program.
With
a new administration starting in January 2018, which will be here before we
know it, we took proactive measures and have met with both gubernatorial
candidates.
We
are equally proactive in voicing concerns about Gov. Christie’s proposal to
move mental health and substance use services from DMHAS to DOH. In my
testimony before the Assembly Human Services Committee and the Senate Health,
Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, I stated that the timing (with
the FFS transition still under way) and rapidity of implementing this major
change (the plan is to complete it by the end of next month) are problematic. I
also pointed out that DMHAS and the Division of Medical Assistance and Health
Services (Medicaid) should not be separated because Medicaid pays for most
mental health and substance use services.
This
plan can be forestalled only if the Senate and Assembly pass a concurrent
resolution opposing the reorganization, which Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle has drafted
for a vote on July 31, 2017. Whichever way the vote goes, NJAMHAA will meet
with DOH Commissioner Cathleen Bennett, DHS Acting Commissioner Elizabeth
Connolly and the DHS Division leaders, as we have been doing on a regular basis,
to advocate for removing regulatory barriers, and ensuring integrated care and
services, and adequate resources to ensure access for everyone in need.
Of
course, NJAMHAA is also actively advocating on the federal level, striving to
ensure continuation of the Medicaid expansion and preservation of other
positive aspects of the ACA. While we can celebrate the defeat of the “skinny”
bill – and we should celebrate – it is not a time to let down our guard as unfortunately,
we can anticipate future attempts to repeal and weaken the provisions of the
ACA, as well as funding for Medicaid and Medicare.
NJAMHAA
has impact! And we give credit to many of our members for providing their
insights and experiences to maximize the effectiveness of our advocacy.
We
look forward to continuing our critical and powerful partnership! Please
continue – or begin – to participate in Membership and Practice Group meetings
to contribute to the content and influence of our advocacy. For details,
contact Shauna Moses, Vice President of Public Affairs and Member Services, at
609-838-5488, ext. 204, or smoses@njamhaa.org. (You can also contact Shauna if
you are not yet a NJAMHAA member.)
Remember!
These meetings will be held at our new office at 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite
35, Mercerville, NJ.
Our
phone (609-838-5488) and fax (609-838-5489) numbers and e-mail addresses will
not change.
