We are fresh off the heels of an all-staff meeting in D.C., where we continued work on our strategic plan for 2025. We want to be ready to meet future opportunities — and there are plenty at play. Mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD) are being taken seriously, culturally and politically, as issues that affect our societal well-being. Read on to see exciting proof-points:
A Potentially Game Changing Announcement on Parity Expected Soon
In the coming months, The Biden-Harris Administration is expected to announce a new rule enhancing enforcement of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), co-authored by Patrick J. Kennedy.
Since 2013, our organization has inched that work forward, and we’re on the cusp of seeing big leaps ahead for equitable coverage of MH/SUD.
Some proposed changes include reducing prior authorization for MH/SUD care, requiring analyses of gaps in care between MH/SUD and medical/surgical coverage, and requiring compliance from more plans. If you don’t already, follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn so we can alert you about the announcement when it comes.
The Kennedy Forum Partners with Stop Stigma Together to Address Pressing Problem
Our TKF policy team has released a policy issue brief alongside Stop Stigma Together as part of the National Summit on Stigma, offering policy solutions to mitigate the complex and intersecting effects of stigma. Reducing stigma is critical for reaching structural 90-90-90 goals that ensure better care for all. Read the brief to learn how we can address this issue systemically.
In addition to the paper, our President and CEO Rebecca O. Bagley led a conversation at the Summit between prestigious leaders from philanthropy, government, and health care to discuss how policy can decrease structural stigma. Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn to hear more about this and future events.
State Wins Show Promise for National Change on MH/SUD
At the state-level, sound policies are on the ballot and in the news.
Take Illinois, a state in which we’ve been working for a decade, where Gov. Pritzker is predicted to sign the Healthcare Protection Act, which helps stop prior authorization for mental health crisis care, curtails unchecked rate increases, improves provider networks, and bans step therapy.
In California, legislation sponsored by The Kennedy Forum will positively impact patient needs, like requiring insurers to utilize qualified reviewers who make decisions on which health services are necessary, and improving due process for consumers who were denied care to which they are entitled.
As these policies are enacted and more citizens benefit, it sets the stage for the adoption of national strategies that can systematically change MH/SU in this country.
Amy L. Kennedy Talks Mental Health in a People Exclusive
Our co-founders continue to bring the subject of MH/SU to broader audiences, normalizing critical conversations and providing education about how our country can heal.
Amy Kennedy spoke with People about issues that matter, including the former educator’s stance on the importance of reaching young people before “Stage 4” of mental health conditions. “We let these things kind of metastasize, and then we need even greater interventions when we finally act. But if we can get people early interventions and help as soon as they are sharing signs of struggling, then we can have better outcomes,” she said.
The discussion also touched on the continued work on parity, our Alignment for Progress 90-90-90 goals, and advice for fellow parents.
If you would like to get updates from The Kennedy Forum, stay connected or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
