About Behavioral Health
California has a behavioral health care crisis, as more Californians need care, and there are not enough providers to deliver that care. As a last resort, those facing a mental health crisis turn to hospital emergency departments. The number of people going to an emergency department for mental health needs jumped 68% from 2010 to 2020; for children 12 to 17 that number climbed 31%. Creating a behavioral health care system means making access easier and more equitable, while ensuring patients receive care in the most appropriate setting.
Continuing Education Credits Available in Multiple Areas for Symposium Attendees
What’s happening: CHA’s 2023 Behavioral Health Care Symposium (Dec. 12-13) in Sacramento will offer continuing education (CE) credits in multiple areas for qualifying participants.
What else to know: To qualify to receive CE credits, registrants must complete a post-event survey, attest to participation, and provide a professional license number.
Access to Mental Health Services Could Increase for Medicare Advantage Enrollees
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposes policy changes for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in contract year (CY) 2025.
What else to know: Comments on the proposed rule, which addresses MA policies such as prior authorization, outpatient behavioral health and supplemental benefits, are due Jan. 5.
Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman will open the Symposium as the Keynote
Why you should attend: Hear from Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, a leader on behavioral health in the Legislature, and get an update on public policies, politics, and financial issues shaping behavioral health care in California.
When: Dec. 12-13 at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento.
Counties May Delay Expansion of Involuntary Holds
A new law that could impact hospital emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric capacity can be delayed until 2026 if county boards of supervisors across California adopt a resolution within the next few months.
CMS Finalizes Policies for 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D programs for contract year 2024. The final rule is effective June 5.