House Passes HR Policy-Supported Mental Health Legislation

The House passed mental health legislation that includes the HR Policy-supported Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner Act (H.R.5218), a measure that provides grants to primary care offices to implement integration of primary and behavioral health care into their practices.

The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R. 7666) reauthorizes over thirty Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Health Resources and Services Administration programs aimed at addressing the mental health and substance use disorder crises.

PBM reporting requirements included: PBMs would be required to submit a report to insurers outlining covered drugs under the group health plan and total gross prescription drug spending. The report is also required to include manufacturer rebates or discounts and copay assistance paid by manufacturers to plan participants. 

The legislation also:

• Establishes a Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office to improve coordination of care and recommend best practices for providers treating patients with mental health and substance use issues.
  
  
• Increases education funding for behavioral health providers to help address the shortage of providers by incentivizing health care workers to train in behavioral health.
  
  
• Directs HHS to eliminate the requirement that opioid treatment programs can only admit those who have been addicted for at least a year.
  
  
• Creates a task force and additional grant programs focused on maternal mental health. 

Outlook: CBO estimates the legislation would reduce the deficit by $200 million over a ten-year period. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to release its own mental health package over the summer. Sens Murphy (D-CT) and Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022 (S.4170) which is also focused on reauthorizing grant programs, increasing the behavioral health workforce, and providing funding for integrated programs (although it does not specifically name the Collaborative Care Model).