North Charlotte Today

The Senate Finance Committee has unanimously voted in support of the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act, which includes several policy priorities and proposals put forth by Senator Thom Tillis. The legislation aims to expand mental health care and substance use disorder services under Medicaid and Medicare, reduce prescription drug costs for seniors, extend essential Medicaid and Medicare provisions, and increase Medicare payments to support healthcare providers.

Senator Tillis expressed his enthusiasm for the bipartisan legislation, stating, "This legislation will provide savings to consumers, ensure access to critical mental health services, and increase accountability for federal health programs. I am proud that it includes a number of my priorities aimed at improving healthcare for North Carolinians."

The Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act encompasses various provisions to address the pressing issues in healthcare. One of these provisions, introduced by Senator Tillis, requires enhanced and accurate lists of Medicare Advantage plans and verification of provider directory information. This aims to improve transparency and ensure that beneficiaries have access to up-to-date information.

Moreover, the legislation seeks to improve access to mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries and protect seniors from excessive cost-sharing for certain medicines. Senator Tillis' Share the Savings with Seniors Act influenced the provision that requires post-deductible enrollee coinsurance for certain covered Part D drugs to be based on net prices rather than negotiated prices.

In addition to mental health care, the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act supports states in providing mental health and substance use care for children and youth. It also delays Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment reductions under the Medicaid Program, providing relief for hospitals that treat a large number of low-income Medicaid patients.

Furthermore, the legislation increases support for physicians and other professionals adjusting to Medicare payment changes. Instead of the statutory increase of 1.25% for Medicare physician fee schedule services furnished in 2024, it proposes a 2.50% increase for that year.

To ensure the availability of clinical laboratory services, the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act averts cuts to clinical laboratory reimbursement by delaying the reductions in the Medicare clinical laboratory fee schedule (CLFS).

The Senate Finance Committee's efforts to improve healthcare have garnered support from various organizations and coalitions. These include the Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions, the Alliance of Community Health Plans, the Arthritis Foundation, and the National Community Pharmacists Association, among others.

The Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act has also gained support from prominent healthcare associations and groups such as the American Hospital Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and the American Psychiatric Association. This widespread support demonstrates the recognition of the importance of the proposed reforms in enhancing mental health care, reducing drug costs, and extending essential Medicaid and Medicare programs.

For a detailed breakdown of the bill's provisions, a section-by-section analysis can be found on the Senate Finance Committee's website.

The Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost and Extenders Act represents a significant step towards improving healthcare in the United States. With its focus on expanding mental health services, reducing prescription drug costs, and extending vital Medicaid and Medicare programs, it has the potential to enhance access to care and provide much-needed relief for patients and healthcare providers alike.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/senate-advances-tillis-proposals-to-improve-mental-health-care-lower-drug-costs-and-extend-essential-medicaid-and-medicare-programs