On January 5, 2022, the Modernization Subcommittee of the congressional Healthy Future Task Force—led by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA)—issued a request for information (RFI) (PDF, 116KB)opens in new window on the “digital modernization efforts in the United States healthcare system.” Responses to the RFI, which sought input from insurers, employers, health systems, and other stakeholders, were due by March 5.
On March 4, 2022, APA Services submitted a response to this RFI (PDF, 193KB)opens in new window. The response highlighted the critical importance of expanded access to mental health services via telehealth, as well as the related need to eliminate unnecessary barriers to coverage of telemental health services, such as the periodic in-person service requirement recently enacted by Congress. APA Services also called attention to the need for equal coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services as their in-person counterparts, to ensure that providers will continue to offer telemental health services to the same degree.
The response highlighted the importance of supporting all evidence-based models of integrating primary care practices and mental health services. Additionally, the response demonstrated the need to support states with the adoption and implementation of interstate licensure compacts such as PSYPACT for mental health practitioners.
Finally, APA Services highlighted the need to alleviate unnecessary administrative burdens on mental health practitioners, particularly as the demand for these services skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These burdens include, but are not limited to, the repetitive and unnecessary requirement of furnishing a “good faith estimate” of costs to patients under the rules implementing the No Surprises Act.
The association will continue to work with members of the task force to ensure that gains in access to mental health services continue long after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
For more information, contact: Andrew Strickland, JD.