New York is taking important steps to ensure health plans are following generally accepted standards of care when making coverage determinations for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, many insurers frequently are not following generally accepted standards of care and are using medical necessity criteria that put financial considerations ahead of … Continued
This month, former Congressman and founder of The Kennedy Forum Patrick J. Kennedy wrote an op-ed with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg about embracing SB 855 as a national model for mental health care reform. “Families shouldn’t have to deplete their savings, take out second mortgages, or go bankrupt paying for mental health or addiction treatment … Continued
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, The Kennedy Forum has called for a robust federal response to the mental health and addiction implications of isolation, job loss, grief, increased stress, and more. Tragically, only a small percentage of our nation’s enacted COVID-19 stimulus funds has gone directly to expanding mental health and addiction treatment services to … Continued
In honor of National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month (September), former Congressman and founder of The Kennedy Forum Patrick J. Kennedy urged advocates to embrace the occasions with more focus and fervor than ever before. “For far too long, our health care system has put mental health and addiction on the back burner, … Continued
Without adequate insurance coverage, most people cannot afford to get the help they need. That’s why we want you to help us urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 855. This critical bill, which recently passed the legislature by overwhelming margins, would make California a national leader in increasing access to treatment for mental health and … Continued
In July, the Federal Communications Commission made the historic announcement that it had unanimously voted to designate 9-8-8 as the universal three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline*. Now, it is Congress’ turn to make history on 9-8-8 and make mental health crisis services more accessible. To date, the House and Senate have … Continued
By Patrick J. Kennedy Each year, mental health advocates mark September as a national month of recognition for suicide prevention and addiction recovery. This year, some people may feel they lack the drive to focus on these special observances after months of navigating a global pandemic, being bombarded with bad news, and confronting our nation’s … Continued
In August, former Congressman and founder of The Kennedy Forum Patrick J. Kennedy joined California State Senator Scott Weiner in urging the state Assembly to pass a landmark parity bill that will finally hold insurers accountable for equal coverage of mental health and addiction treatment services—when Californians need it most. After the press conference, two … Continued
By Allison Hufford, The Kennedy Forum Summer Intern As coronavirus continues to rage throughout the nation, it may seem too early to discuss the logistics of a post-COVID world. But when it comes to our disjointed and underfunded health care system, which has already failed many Americans in a time of unprecedented difficulty, it’s clear … Continued
By former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy There are often two main roadblocks when it comes to the average American getting help for a mental health or addiction challenge. The first is stigma, which, thankfully, we are making great strides as a nation in overcoming. The second is access to care, which is often misunderstood … Continued
