Cubin Introduces Mental Health Care Bill
In an effort to tackleWyoming's healthcare provider shortage, Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) has introduced legislation to expand access to mental health care.
"Mental health afflictions such as depression are real diseases, and they should be taken seriously," said Representative Cubin. "Wyoming seniors currently have very limited options when it comes to seeking professional help for these conditions, and this bill would go a long way to make mental health care more available to our state's seniors."
On Wednesday, Cubin introduced H.R. 5324, the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2006. The bill would allow seniors to bill Medicare for mental health services provided by mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.
"Wyoming has the highest rate of completed suicides in the nation - almost twice the national average," said Cubin. "This is staggering. It is imperative that persons suffering from mental illnesses have affordable, accessible treatment."
Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists go through a rigorous training and licensing process similar to the curriculum of master's level social workers. Despite this, they are currently ineligible for participation in the Medicare program. Medicare covers the services of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and clinical nurse specialists.
"In rural areas like Wyoming, seniors are often forced to travel long distances to seek health care, including mental health services, " said Cubin. "This bill would greatly expand mental health treatment options for seniors in Wyoming."
Currently, Wyoming has 557 Medicare eligible mental health care providers. H.R. 5324 would more than double that number. The bill's enactment would allow Wyoming's 588 mental health counselors and 74 marriage and family therapists to serve the state's Medicare beneficiaries.
Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas has introduced an identical measure in the Senate.
"Access to quality health care is a hallmark of any good community, and that includes mental health services," said Cubin. "I want Wyoming to be great place for seniors to live. This bill will help accomplish just that."
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/wy00_cubin/mentalhealthbillinrtomay11.html