Salinas Introduces HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. House Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06), a member of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, introduced the Helping Out Patients for Emotional (HOPE) and Mental Wellbeing Act. This legislation requires the Medicare and Medicaid programs to provide three behavioral health visits per year at no cost to participants in the program. 

“Like so many other states, Oregon is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis right now. And it’s past time for Congress to take action on this critical issue,” said Rep. Salinas. “That’s why I’m so excited to introduce the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, a bill that would grant three free annual mental health care visits to all those insured by Medicare or Medicaid. More than half of all adults with a mental illness receive no treatment. In Oregon alone, that comes out to nearly 450,000 adults. By requiring Medicare and Medicaid to cover three annual mental health visits, we can help chip away at the number of untreated adults in this country.”

Specifically, the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act provides three behavioral health care visits at no cost sharing (no copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance) to beneficiaries of Medicare (Parts B and C) and Medicaid. These visits can be used for outpatient behavioral health services, non-specialty medical services, and care coordination services for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of a behavioral health condition. 

“Seeking help takes tremendous courage,” continued Rep. Salinas. “When you’re struggling with your mental health, the last thing you should have to worry about is how much it’s going to cost you to get care. My hope is that this bill will help get someone in the door and out of a crisis, without them having to worry about yet another potential point of mental stress.”

“As a provider of mental health and addiction treatment services in Salem, Oregon Bridgeway supports Congresswoman Salinas’ HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act as it will work to reduce stigma and increase access to necessary treatment services,” said Tim Murphy, CEO of Bridgeway Recovery Services.

 “Too often, people forgo needed mental health care because of high out-of-pocket costs,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “We thank Rep. Salinas for introducing the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, which would allow people covered by Medicaid and many on Medicare to access up to three behavioral health care visits a year without any cost sharing – making mental health care more in reach for many Americans. NAMI is proud to support this crucial legislation.”

“New Narrative is grateful for Congresswoman Salinas' championing efforts in mental health. We are optimistic that the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act is the next right step toward mental health recovery for Oregonians," said Julie Ibrahim, CEO of New Narrative. “This measure will provide access to critical healthcare for the most vulnerable populations we serve.”

“Older adults and people with disabilities continue to suffer from heightened issues in behavioral health and challenges to access. The HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act will begin to bring needed options to help seniors and people with disabilities find the services and supports they need,” said Rebecca Miller, Chair of the Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (O4AD).

The HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act is cosponsored by Representative Grace Napolitano (CA-31), chair of the Mental Health Caucus. It is supported by the Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (O4AD) and Bridgeway Recovery Services.

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