Legislative Issues

Ohio | Federal

Mental Health America of Franklin County follows legislation that is of interest to people with mental illness and their families. Our advocacy network allows people from all over the country to take an active role in improving the health and quality of life for all.

As an affiliate of Mental Health America, we are part of a larger voice across the United States. As a member, you will help promote awareness of mental health issues and take action to seek adoption of public policies that recognize mental health is vital to our country’s health and well-being.

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Current Legislation: Ohio

Two State Psychiatric Hospitals to Close

Governor Ted Strickland announced plans to close two psychiatric hospitals and to cut up to 2,700 state jobs in order to reduce a predicted budget deficit. We now understand that there should be no loss of beds. (4/2/08)

Learn More >

Read the Governor's Full Press Release >

Ohio Senate Holds Hearings on Medication Issue

The Strickland administration has modified its decision to require physicians to obtain prior authorization before prescribing psychiatric drugs for Medicaid patients. The revised policy will exempt psychiatrists enrolled in managed care plans and those working within community mental health centers. There was widespread concern among mental health advocates that the original policy would create a major obstacle to effective treatment for an at-risk population. The prior authorization requirement will still apply to other providers, such as family practitioners. In addition, patients who have been clinically stabilized on a particular drug will receive ongoing access to the medication without having to obtain prior authorization. Medicaid managed care plans will need to request exemptions from the authorization requirement for their psychiatrists. (2/4/08).
Read the 12/13/07 Dispatch Article.
Read Sen. Coughlin's Press Release.
Read the Open Letter to Gov. Strickland from MHA, NAMI and others.

Ohio Mental Health Parity Enacted October 2007

A new state law requires that Ohioans who suffer from seven different biologically-based mental illness can now obtain the appropriate insurance coverage on the same level as other health benefits. Learn More About Ohio's New Law.

General Information About Ohio Legislation

For an update on any Ohio bill, please visit the State of Ohio legislative website at www.legislature.state.oh.us. This site also will provide you with your legislator's name, address and contact information and enable you to e-mail your legislator. Try to be succinct in your comments. Relay information about you or your family member's situation, and how the proposed legislation positively or negatively affects you.

Additionally, The United Way of Central Ohio has a public policy site that is a source of legislative and policy information.

Current Legislation: Federal

U.S. HOUSE PASSES MENTAL HEALTH PARITY BILL

It's been a long time coming, but the U.S. House has passed a bill requiring most group health plans to provide more generous coverage for treatment of mental illnesses and substance addiction, comparable to what they provide for physical illnesses. (3/6/08)

Learn more about Federal Parity>

Last Bush Budget Bashes Mental Health

President Bush's budget for fiscal year 2009, if passed, will drastically cut funding for mental health services. (2/6/08)

Learn more >

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA) UPDATE

SAMHSA released "The Federal Action Agenda: First Steps" to follow-up on the Commission's call for transforming America's mental health system. The Campaign for Mental Health Reform views as a positive development SAMHSA's coordination of multiple Federal agencies in developing an agenda to follow-up on the Commission and commends the leadership of Administrator Charles Curie and Director Kathryn Power. Click here to see the plan.

General Information on Federal Legislation

For current information on Federal legislation related to mental health, please visit the Mental Health America website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net. For general legislative information, visit thomas.loc.gov. If you have comments about Federal legislation, e-mail your legislator through this link: www.congress.org. Please try to be succinct in your comments. Relay information about you or your family member's situation, and how the proposed legislation positively or negatively affects you.

Take Action

If you are interested in helping Mental Health America of Franklin County advocate for positions on mental health care, please complete the form below.

You will receive emails directly from MHAFC asking you to write letters, email letters, or make phone calls to appropriate officials expressing your particular view about an issue. We always need individuals willing to advocate for the rights of persons with mental illness. Feel free to email this to friends and colleagues if you think they would be interested in helping us as well. MHAFC does not sell, rent or exchange email addresses to anyone for any reason. Please contact us at any time to discuss these issues. We appreciate your support and involvement.

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