Capitol to Capitol | Sept. 16, 2024

Capitol to Capitol | Sept. 16, 2024

NewsletterCapitol to Capitol

Questions?Please use the email icon at left to contact NCSL's State-Federal Affairs Division.

NCSL Updates

NCSL Publishes Report on Artificial Intelligence in Elections

As the election nears, AI is on the minds of candidates and voters. AI continues to transform many industries, and its potential use in elections has become a focus for policymakers at both the federal and state levels. In a new report, "AI in Elections: A Look at the Federal and State Legislative Landscape," NCSL dives into the ever-evolving legislative landscape surrounding AI in elections, highlighting key federal and state proposals alongside the efforts made to ensure transparency, security and fairness in the electoral process. From addressing concerns about disinformation and deepfakes to exploring AI's role in voter outreach and election administration, the report provides a comprehensive look at how lawmakers are navigating this complex, rapidly changing field. Read more

Administration Updates

Final Rules Strengthening Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits

The new rules clarify and expand the requirements of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), passed in 2008,whichrequires insurers to cover mental health and addiction services under the same terms as medical and surgical care. Fueled by concerns that insurers have circumvented the act, the rules clarify that insurers may not impose more restrictive requirements-such as prior authorization-for mental health care than they do for other types of care. Plans and issuers must also collect and evaluate data and take reasonable action, as necessary, to address material differences in access to mental health/substance use disorder benefits as compared to other health benefits. When there are material differences, plans are required to take remedial steps such as adding providers to their networks and/or removing other barriers.

In addition to the 175 million Americans with private insurance who may benefit, the rules extend the MHPAEA to non-federal governmental health plans, including those covering state and local government employees. Final language has not been released, but additional details may be found here.

CMS Greenlights New Hampshire's Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Teams

New Hampshire will soon be able to connect Medicaid-eligible individuals in crisis to a behavioral health provider 24/7, 365 days a year. With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services having approved New Hampshire's Medicaid State Plan Amendment​, the state joins 19 others and Washington, D.C., in expanding access to community-based mental health and substance use services. The other states are Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.​

Mobile crisis services for Medicaid-eligible people experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis became an option​ for states in 2021 with the enactment of the American Rescue Plan. States with approved plans are eligible for an 85% federal medical assistance percentage through March 2027 for 12 fiscal quarters. States must meet several criteria to be considered for the enhanced match, including the availability of community-based teams on a 24/7 basis. Team members must be trained in trauma-informed care, the team must include at least one behavioral health professional and there must be established linkages to community partners. Read more

Free COVID-19 Test and Treatments-Coming Soon

At a recent media briefing on steps the administration is taking to address COVID-19 infections, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, within Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Health and Human Services, announced that free, at-home COVID-19 testswill again be available for order by the end of September-four per household-and also available at libraries, food banks and long-term care facilities.

In addition to testing, the Food and Drug Administration recently approvedupdated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-25 for everyone 6 months old and up. To facilitate access to these updated vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made $62 million available to state and local health departments to provide them free of charge to uninsured and underinsured adults. Additionally, the antiviral drug, Paxlovid, will be offered free of charge to people who are uninsured or on Medicaid or Medicare. Free vaccines will remain available to low-income children through the Vaccines for Children Program.

These actions come at a time of rising weekly COVID-19 deaths-to 711 on Aug. 11 from 320 on June 1-and wastewater surveillancenumbers that indicate high levels of COVID-19 viral activity in the U.S. as of Aug. 17. Read more

EV Charging to Receive $521M Boost

The Federal Highway Administration's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program is awarding $521 million to over 40 projects in 29 states, eight tribal nations and Washington, D.C. The funds will be split into two categories: building chargers in communities and establishing fast-charging hubs along major highway corridors. Of the total amount, $321 million will be used to install 9,200 electric vehicle chargers in rural, suburban and urban communities. The remaining $200 million for fast-charging hubs is expected to result in 10 locations that can service light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The program continues the administration's efforts to improve EV charging in America. Read more

Links

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