Caucus on Behavioral Health

Caucus on Behavioral Health

There are many caucuses one can attend at the convention. Unfortunately, traffic delays made it hard to get to the convention center for the whole meeting, but I did get in at the end of the Recovery Caucus Meeting. Keynote speakers were David Wellstone and former congressman Patrick Kennedy, each sons of the late senators who were passionate about the rights of the mentally ill and of substance abusers.

I have spent over 35 years working in the field of behavioral health. One of the key political advances in recent years was the 2008 passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act. It mandates that if an insurance company offers addiction and mental health benefits, they must be non-discriminatory, with benefits equal to medical ones. For those who have attempted to use benefits for behavioral care, this was a huge success, as the discrimination in benefits was devastating. 

I remember going to DC with a National Alliance of Mental Health group, and listening to Senator Kennedy and Senator speak with fervor on this bill.

Unfortunately, the final regulations have not been provided by HHS, so it is not yet fully implemented. Advocacy groups will mount a petition drive after the election to move it along.

Another great advance in behavioral care is the Recovery Movement. This works to replace the old paternalistic system of care, with one that genuinely focuses on the wellness and on the wishes and aspirations of consumers to live as meaningful and healthy a life as possible. My nephew is a great example. He completed training as a mental health advocate, and both helps and is helped by peers who are fully in tune with what each person is experiencing. He co-chairs a state committee in Massachusetts, which is charged with setting up state plans for care of consumers.  Pennsylvania is also focused on Recovery, with Montgomery County seen as its best model ever since Nancy Weiman, Deputy Administrator for mental health, declared a “year of recovery” and continues to follow it up with resources, training, and clinical programs. Consumers in Lower Merion/ Narberth benefit from these efforts.

There are caucuses on many topics such as small business, seniors’ issues, and women’s issues. As someone in health care, I was delighted to see a room full of consumers, providers and advocates devoted to this topic.