Cárdenas Leads Introduction of Bipartisan CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-1), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced the bipartisan Crisis Care Access and Response Expansion for Behavioral Health Act or the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024. As we continue the vital work of addressing our nation's mental health needs, this bill is a crucial next step for improving the delivery of behavioral health services.

This legislation would create a pilot program through Medicare for the provision of crisis stabilization services. Currently, crisis response facilities face fractured funding mechanisms that deter expansion and investment in community-based crisis response services and result in increased burden on emergency departments. This program lays the groundwork for expanding the crisis care continuum and bringing the vital behavioral health services these facilities provide to those in need.

"In the fight for mental health parity, the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 is a crucial and necessary step to address our nation's ongoing mental health crisis," said Congressman Cárdenas. "During my time in Congress, I have remained committed to finding effective solutions for those in crisis in their moment of need. I have been inspired by the growth and strengthening of the crisis care continuum in America, which is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan effort to build on that progress and further improve access to critical mental health care. Families across the country deserve access to essential behavioral health services, and we have a responsibility to break down the barriers they face."

"Arizona continues to be a leader in combating the mental health crisis," said Congressman Schweikert. "I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who remain committed to expanding access to care- especially for those who need it most."

"As our nation grapples with an ongoing mental health crisis, the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 represents a critical first step in ensuring that every American in crisis has access to the care they need," said Congressman Veasey. "This bipartisan legislation will lay the foundation for a stronger, more effective and accessible crisis care continuum. I am proud to join my colleagues to advance this effort to deliver compassionate, community-based behavioral health care to those who need it most."

"Our nation is in the midst of an escalating mental health crisis, and we cannot afford to stand idle. Bold, decisive action is needed to ensure those in crisis receive the compassionate, effective care they deserve," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force. "The bipartisan CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 is a critical part of my ongoing efforts to tackling this crisis head-on. It will expand access to lifesaving crisis response services, ease the burden on overstrained emergency departments, and provide high quality, specialized care for my PA-1 community and beyond."

"This pilot will dramatically improve access to behavioral health crisis care, help prevent unnecessary trips to hospital Emergency Departments and reduce overall spend and strain on our healthcare and legal systems. We applaud the co-sponsors for ensuring the program evaluates the effectiveness of crisis systems across the country while also measuring how it improves behavioral health outcomes and satisfaction with care. We look forward to working with them on its enactment" said Connections Health Solutions CEO Colin LeClair.

"The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a lifesaving resource for those in crisis for more than two years, but more resources are needed to bring to life the full vision of a crisis care continuum nationwide. The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) strong supports the leadership of Congressman Cárdenas, Congressman Veasey, Congressman Schweikert, and Congressman Fitzpatrick to ensure that Medicare recipients have access to crisis receiving and stabilization services." - Brian Hepburn, M.D., Executive Director, NASMHPD

"On behalf of Recovery Innovations, we applaud the introduction of the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024. All individuals in crisis should have access to appropriate services no matter their insurance coverage, and we proudly support this bill which establishes access to community-based crisis stabilization centers for Medicare recipients."-David Covington, LPC, MBA, CEO & President, Recovery Innovations

"As we build out 988 and the crisis continuum, it is critical that we ensure those in crisis have access to the appropriate level of services. This legislation is an important step forward in strengthening the behavioral health system and connecting people to life-saving care." Jonah C. Cunningham, President and CEO, the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD).

Link to Bill

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