On Tuesday, congressional leaders unveiled a stopgap funding bill aimed at ensuring the federal government continues to function smoothly after the 2024 fiscal year ends. The bill, which will fund the government at its current spending levels through March 14, 2025, provides a temporary solution until a more permanent budget is negotiated. The 1,547-page bill outlines provisions for a wide range of sectors, including emergency funding for states impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton and assistance for American farmers. Among these, however, are several provisions of particular importance to the behavioral health industry, addressing both immediate challenges and longer-term concerns.
Reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act
One of the standout provisions for those in the behavioral health space is the reauthorization of the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (often referred to as the SUPPORT Act). Originally passed in 2018, the SUPPORT Act contains key measures aimed at combating the opioid epidemic, including improvements to treatment and prevention programs, and addressing mental health services for those suffering from addiction. The law’s provisions were set to expire in 2023, and while many advocates feared these provisions would lapse, the new bill ensures that they are extended. The reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act is a significant step in continuing the federal government’s efforts to curb the opioid crisis and provide essential support to those battling addiction. This is a crucial piece of the broader behavioral health funding bill.
Impact on Telehealth Regulations
Another crucial aspect of the bill is its impact on telehealth regulations, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill proposes an extension that would allow Medicare providers and beneficiaries to continue conducting visits via telehealth until December 31, 2026. For mental health providers, the bill also includes a delay of in-person requirements for mental health services until January 1, 2027. This provision is especially important for individuals who live in underserved or rural areas, where access to in-person mental health services is often limited. Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the American Telemedicine Association, praised the bill, stating that it would give healthcare providers the certainty and confidence they need to continue investing in telehealth, an essential service for many Americans. These telehealth extensions are a key part of the behavioral health funding bill.
Broadband Expansion and Behavioral Health Access
Telehealth has been a game-changer for many individuals who struggle to access behavioral health care, especially in rural communities. Advocates of telehealth argue that these services are crucial for addressing the shortage of behavioral health providers and reducing the inequitable distribution of mental health services. However, despite telehealth’s potential, many rural areas still struggle with poor or nonexistent broadband infrastructure, which can stymie the expansion of telehealth services. Recognizing this challenge, the bill includes provisions like the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2024, which modifies how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) awards funding to telecommunication companies seeking to establish broadband networks in rural areas. This measure aims to ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively to improve broadband access, which is integral to the success of telehealth initiatives and broader behavioral health reforms. In this way, broadband expansion is an essential complement to the behavioral health funding bill’s telehealth provisions.
Key Behavioral Health-Related Provisions in the Bill
Beyond these telehealth and addiction-related provisions, the funding bill contains a range of other measures that will directly impact the behavioral health landscape:
- Banning Consumer Products with High Sodium Nitrite Concentrations: The bill proposes a ban on consumer products that contain high concentrations of sodium nitrite, a substance sometimes used in suicide attempts. This provision is aimed at reducing the availability of materials that could be used for self-harm, a critical step in improving public health and safety.
- Extension of Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants: The bill also extends funding for mental and behavioral health education and training programs through the end of federal fiscal year 2029. This provision is designed to support the training of the next generation of mental health professionals, ensuring that the workforce is adequately prepared to meet the growing demand for mental health services.
- Increase in Addiction Treatment Loan Repayment Program: The bill includes a provision to increase funding for the addiction treatment loan repayment program, raising the amount from $25 million to $40 million. This program helps to incentivize professionals to work in underserved areas by repaying a portion of their student loans in exchange for providing addiction treatment services in high-need communities. This increase in funding could attract more clinicians to the field, which is particularly important given the nationwide shortage of behavioral health professionals.
- Reconsideration of Drug Schedule Classification: The bill also includes a potential reconsideration of the drug schedule classification for medications containing buprenorphine and naloxone, which are critical in the treatment of opioid addiction. The reconsideration of these medications could make it easier for patients to access treatment options and improve the overall effectiveness of addiction recovery programs.
- Extension of Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Grant Program: Another key provision in the bill is the extension of a small grant program for comprehensive opioid recovery centers, which will now be funded through 2029. These centers provide critical support for individuals in recovery, offering a range of services from therapy and counseling to job training and social reintegration. The extension of this grant program will ensure that these centers can continue to operate and expand their services to meet growing demand.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The bill is expected to face a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives by Friday of this week, with a final decision likely to come shortly thereafter. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) emphasized that lawmakers will have 72 hours to review the bill before voting. Once passed, the bill will provide important funding and regulatory changes for the next few months, offering stability to the federal government and various sectors, including behavioral health, until a longer-term budget can be reached.
This stopgap funding bill marks a significant step forward in addressing the current needs of the behavioral health industry while laying the groundwork for future improvements. By extending key measures, such as the SUPPORT Act, telehealth provisions, and expanding funding for addiction treatment programs, Congress is taking steps to address the growing demand for behavioral health services across the country. For many, these provisions are a much-needed lifeline, ensuring that essential services continue uninterrupted and that the workforce and infrastructure required to meet the mental health crisis are adequately supported. As the U.S. enters a unified government in January, this bill sets the stage for continued action on these critical issues, reinforcing the importance of behavioral health funding in addressing the nation’s mental health and addiction challenges.
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