NAMI Shoreline is a subsidiary of NAMI Connecticut, which is continuously working to improve public policy for people with serious mental illnesses in Connecticut. The Public Policy Agenda includes many issues that aim to increase access to treatment and services, and to repair and restore the mental health service system in our state.
At NAMI Connecticut, we are continuously working to improve public policy for people with serious mental illnesses in Connecticut. Our Public Policy Agenda includes many issues that aim to increase access to treatment and services, and to repair and restore the mental health service system in our state.
2-26-2018 THE LEGISLATURE NEEDS YOUR STORIES!
Legislation on Mental Health Parity will be getting a public hearing soon (before the Insurance Committee; probably around March 6-8) and your voice will be crucial and powerful at this hearing!
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SEND US YOUR TESTIMONY, especially if you have PRIVATE INSURANCE!
(Once we have firm hearing dates/times we will email you right away.)
In the meantime…. think about instances in which you have struggled to find an in-network provider for you or your loved one; barriers you faced, whether you had to use an out-of-network provider, and did you pay extra for services you feel should have been covered by your private insurance?
Or alternately, a situation where a needed behavioral health service was DENIED by an insurance company, with no alternative solution offered by that provider? Did that leave you scrambling, making phone calls and taking other steps to find a solution?
Helpful tips:
Think about how you would give Legislators a real understanding and feel for the stress (both emotional and financial) that these scenarios have caused you.
Also if possible, give an example of a positive outcome that you have experienced when a needed service was approved and paid for without you having to pay out-of-network costs.
And remember that you will also want to thank the Legislature for taking the time to listen to your lived experiences.
Again, we will be reaching out soon with the details of the public hearing, as well as a TEMPLATE you can use to draft your testimony.
Visit www.namict.org to keep updated on your chance to HELP!
THANK YOU!
NAMI’s Statement Regarding President Trump’s Recent Comments On Mental Health Care
2/22/2018
In recent days, there has been a lot of rhetoric by the President and the NRA about “crazy people” and a desire to return to the days of the “institutions.” These comments reinforce inaccurate and negative stereotypes and create barriers to having real conversations about how to improve the mental health services that lead to recovery and participation in American society by people experiencing mental health conditions.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness fights for a more understanding and accepting world for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness, and for a mental health system that provides the care and support they need to do well in school, work and life. All Americans should have coverage for mental health care and access to treatment when needed.
Psychiatric institutions were closed historically for many reasons, including unsafe treatment of patients and deplorable conditions. Today, we see many youth and young adults languishing in emergency rooms and law enforcement officers are forced to respond to crises because mental health services are frequently not available. There is a need for high-quality inpatient care, including as a last resort, court ordered treatment.
Solutions to this crisis also require more than inpatient care. There are many common sense approaches that we know are effective and that can be implemented now to improve access to mental health services along a continuum of care for youth who are at risk. These include:
- Implementing intensive community-based mental health interventions for youth and young adults with the most serious mental illnesses.
- Integrating mental health in primary care and in schools so that mental health treatment is readily available.
- Increasing access to high-quality inpatient treatment through repealing the exclusion in Medicaid for paying for these beds and increasing reimbursement along with required outcomes.
- Ensuring a well-funded and strong mental health system through fully funding the Medicaid program and requiring private health insurance to provide adequate coverage for mental health and substance use treatment.
NAMI would welcome the opportunity to meet with President Trump and work with his administration on steps for improving mental health services in America. We were proud to participate in the Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee for Serious Mental Illness. This report provides the Administration with a blueprint for fixing our nation’s broken mental health system, including improving services for children and youth who are at risk.
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Hannah Wesolowski NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness |
BUDGET CRISIS UPDATE September 9, 2017
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https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp?blm_aid=18739
July 19 UPDATE:
Senate health reform efforts are evolving rapidly. Regardless of how the Senate proceeds, every proposal needs to meet a simple test: Will Americans have more mental health coverage and better care? Please tell your Senators we need more coverage for mental health care, not less. #Act4MentalHealthhttp://ow.ly/pzAh30dJaEw
UPDATE: July 18, 2017 BCRA HAS FAILED FOR NOW:
THIS JUST IN: July 17 from NAMI:
The Senate delayed a vote on the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), but they are back at it—and they are moving fast. A vote could happen any day.
They have revised the bill and it isn’t better, it’s worse.
New language would let insurance companies offer bare-bones plans with no mental health coverage. This is a giant step away from parity, or fair coverage of mental health conditions.
There will still be less financial assistance and fewer protections for people who buy individual health insurance plans through the marketplace.
The bill still cuts and caps the Medicaid program, which will make it harder for people to get psychiatric medications, case management, mental health services—and even hospital care.
Millions will still lose their Medicaid coverage, including 1 in 10 veterans who rely on Medicaid for health and mental health services.
The bottom line: this bill hurts people with mental illness. But, the fight is not over. Together, we are powerful. Together we can #Act4MentalHealth. Tell your Senators to vote NO on the BCRA.
Posted April 24, 2017
Write to your state representatives to oppose Governor Malloy’s budget cuts which will negatively affect the research at the Yale School of Psychiatry and Connecticut Mental Health Center.
NAMI Connecticut is an active member of the Keep the Promise Coalition.
The Keep the Promise (KTP) Coalition is a Connecticut-based network of advocates, including people living with mental illness, family members, mental health professionals and interested community members. KTP is dedicated to advocating for a comprehensive, community mental health system for adults, children and families in Connecticut. Click HERE to visit the KTP website.
NAMI Connecticut’s Public Policy Program mission is aligned with KTP by advocating for improved services, more humane treatment, and an end to stigma and economic and social discrimination. Our goal is to support members to engage in advocacy activities at the legislature, in the community, and from their homes. NAMI Connecticut and the Keep the Promise Coalition have shared legislative priorities.
NAMI Connecticut Public Policy Program Components:
- Provide outreach, trainings, and education to the community and policymakers
- Monitor and act on state and local government issues relevant to the mental health community
- Mobilize NAMI Connecticut members to testify or contact policymakers on behalf of our legislative priorities
- Strategically work with the media to further our legislative agenda
- Develop and build relationships with community partners and stakeholders to work on joint initiatives
NAMI Connecticut’s Public Policy Committee consists of members from around the state who meet monthly to build consensus on legislative and policy issues, provide feedback, assist in developing the Keep the Promise Coalition’s legislative agenda, and act as committee liaisons in their communities.
For more information on advocacy, contact:
Daniela Giordano, MSW Public Policy Director – at publicpolicy@namict.org
For more information to go www.namict.org and click on “Public Policy and Advocacy” and “Resources”. Also look for Public Policy and/or Advocacy SPECIAL EVENTS on this website.
