Top 10 County Policy Priorities for Behavioral Health Reform
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County Behavioral Health Landscape
America’s 3,069 counties are integral to America’s behavioral health system. Counties annually invest $83 billion in community health systems, including behavioral health services. Through 750 behavioral health authorities and community providers, county governments plan and operate community-based services for persons with mental illnesses and substance use conditions. County-based behavioral health systems exist in 23 states that represent 75 percent of the U.S. population.
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NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Counties increasingly handle direct mental health services, acting as the safety net for vulnerable residents and operating crisis lines, hospitals and detention centers. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing unites county leaders to address the mental health crisis through four key policy priorities.
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Report released on 1115 waiver implementation in California
In January 2023, California became the first state to receive federal approval for a Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver to partially amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.
CMS announces funding to improve the continuity of care for justice-involved individuals
On September 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $106.5 million in state planning grants aimed at improving healthcare continuity for individuals transitioning from incarceration.
CMS proposes rules to increase healthcare access for key populations
On September 9, NACo submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on two key areas: revisions to Medicare’s custody definition and Special Enrollment Period for formerly incarcerated individuals, and updates to crisis stabilization unit payment policies.