Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Texans Brace For Mental Health Cuts In Trump Administration
As Republican lawmakers plot a full repeal of President Barack Obama’s signature health law, benefits for mental health care and substance abuse treatment for a little more than 2.6 million Texans enrolled in small or individual health plans may be among the casualties. The 2010 federal health law classified mental health and addiction services among the essential health benefits that must be covered by small and individual plans, without annual or lifetime caps on benefits. (Evans, 11/17)
The heads of Kansas’ 26 community mental health centers are preparing to push an ambitious set of proposals to address what they say are growing gaps in the state’s behavioral health system. In addition to restoring funding cuts made prior to the Great Recession, the center directors want Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and lawmakers to expand a network of regional crisis intervention centers. Currently, the Rainbow Services Inc., or RSI, center in Kansas City and one operated by Comcare in Wichita appear to be relieving pressure on the mental health system by stabilizing people in crisis who otherwise might end up in state hospitals, local emergency rooms or county jails. (McLean, 11/16)
When it comes to the outcome of the presidential election, kids are experiencing the same feelings and emotions as adults: everything from fear, anxiety and dejection to excitement, hope and vindication. The biggest difference, though, is that children often don't have the language or life experience to understand or express those feelings. We visited one Boston public school, Phineas Bates Elementary in Roslindale, where students, teachers and parents are navigating the tough terrain of teaching empathy and respect after the election. (Mosley, 11/17)
Finally, a Colorado Veterans Affairs whistleblower who spoke out about wait times for mental health services resigns -
A Department of Veterans Affairs employee who told Congress the agency was using unauthorized wait lists for mental health care in Colorado has resigned, saying he was subjected to retaliation for speaking out. Brian Smothers told The Associated Press Wednesday the VA had opened two separate inquiries into his actions and tried to get him to sign a statement saying he had broken VA rules. He said he refused. (11/17)
