Position Category: Assembly Bill

AB 275 (WARD) Pupil Compensation – Support

June 7, 2023

The Honorable Christopher M. Ward
California State Assembly
1021 O St., Suite 8320
acramento, CA 95814

RE: Assembly Bill 275

Dear Assembly Member Ward:

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 275 (Ward), which will allow school district boards and county boards of education to provide compensation to student members by offering a stipend for their work.

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.

As an organization that is run for TAY by TAY, we know that representation matters, specifically youth representation. As a society we elect members of our community to represent us in government and we compensate them for their time. Student members have a constituency and unique knowledge and are chosen to advocate and inform on decisions regarding the youth perspective. This requires time, outreach, and research. Board members are compensated for the work they do within the scope of their position. Our youth should be equally compensated for the same work.

For these reasons, we support Assembly Bill 275. If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

In Community,

Danny Thirakul
Public Policy Coordinator
California Youth Empowerment Network

AB 957 (WILSON) The TGI (Transgender, Gender-Diverse, Intersex) Empowerment Act – Support

May 31, 2023

The Honorable Lori D. Wilson
State Assembly
1021 O St., Suite 5150
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SUPPORT — Assembly Bill 957 (Wilson)

Dear Assembly Member Wilson:

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 957 (Wilson), legislation which would require the court to strongly consider that affirming a minor’s gender identity is in the best interest of the child if a nonconsenting parent objects to a name change to conform to the minor’s gender identity.

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.

Our transgender youth go on a long journey towards self-discovery. It can be extremely difficult to be one’s authentic self under scrutiny of classmates, friends, and family members. A step someone would take towards reaffirming one’s gender identity is by changing their name. However, sometimes the parent or guardian will actively oppose all attempts of gender reaffirming care causing undue harm to our transgender youth such as but not limited to anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Assembly Bill 957 would require the courts to consider reaffirming a youth’s gender identity as it is in the youth’s best interest when one parent does not consent to a child’s name and gender marker change. This, in turn, will help to protect and improve the mental health of these transgender youth.

For these reasons, we support Assembly Bill 957. If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

In Community,

Danny Thirakul
Public Policy Coordinator
California Youth Empowerment Network

AB 874 (WEBER) Healthcare Coverage Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Support

April 6, 2023

The Honorable Dr. Akilah Weber
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0079
Tel: (916) 319-2079

RE: Support for AB 874 (Weber)

Dear Assembly Member Weber:

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support Assembly 874 (Weber), legislation which would require a health care service plan, health insurance policy, other health coverage carrier, or pharmacy benefit manager that administers pharmacy benefits to apply any amounts paid by the enrollee, insured, or another source pursuant to a discount, repayment, product voucher, or other reduction to the enrollee’s or insured’s out-of-pocket expenses toward the enrollee’s or insured’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum, deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or applicable cost-sharing requirement under the enrollee’s or insured’s health care service plan, health insurance policy, or other health care coverage.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services.

The rising cost of medical care puts many people in a life-threatening position to refuse services and support out of fear of inability to pay. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs for medication can cause an undue burden. While the use of discounts, product vouchers, and other copay support systems are used to alleviate the financial burden, insurance companies sometimes do not count those forms of payment towards the overall out-of-pocket maximums, forcing the insured to pay more for medicine or services. Assembly Bill 874 will make those indirect copayments count towards the maximum out-of-pocket expenses. This will improve access to medications and remove financial barriers for people with mental health challenges.

For these reasons, we support Assembly Bill 874. If you or your staff have any questions, or if Mental Health America of California can be of any assistance on this or any other behavioral health bill, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi Strunk
President & CEO
Mental Health America of California

AB 1437 (IRWIN) Medi-Cal: Serious Mental Illness – Support

April 4, 2023

The Honorable Jacqui Irwin
State Assembly
1021 O Street, Room 6220
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: SUPPORT for AB 1437 (Irwin)

Dear Assembly Member Irwin:

I am writing on behalf of the Connection Coalition in support of Assembly Bill 1437, legislation that will improve access to crucial serious mental health medications for Medi-Cal patients by removing unnecessary prescription reauthorization barriers. This proposed bill will have little to no fiscal effect and will improve access to crucial medications for Medi-Cal patients with a serious mental health condition by removing unnecessary access barriers.

The Connection Coalition is a program of Mental Health America of California. Our mission is to reach and engage behavioral health community stakeholders in issues related to access to behavioral health services and supports; and promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Along these lines, we support efforts that will increase access to services and treatment for people with behavioral health challenges.

Assembly Bill 1437 will improve access to medications for Medi-Cal patients who have a serious mental health condition by:

  • Allowing people with a serious mental health condition to have access to prescribed medication without any delays due to reauthorization requirements.
  • Decreasing the likelihood of a negative outcome such as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, being unhoused, suicidal ideation, or incarceration due to lack of access.
  • Supporting the choice a person with mental health challenges makes to receive behavioral healthcare.

Revising prior authorization requirements for mental health medications will improve access, adherence, and outcomes for this vulnerable population. It is for these reasons that the Connection Coalition is supporting Assembly Bill 1437. It will create impactful changes to the Medi-Cal system and significantly benefit beneficiaries with a serious mental health condition.

If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

Sincerely,

Heidi Strunk
President & CEO
Connection Coalition

AB 19 (PATTERSON) Opioid Antagonist – Support

March 29, 2023

The Honorable Joe Patterson
State Assembly
1021 O St., Suite 4530
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SUPPORT Assembly Bill 19 (Patterson)

Dear Assembly Member Patterson:

Mental Health America of California is pleased to support Assembly Bill 19 (Patterson), legislation which requires each school to have no less than two doses of naloxone onsite to be available to aid persons suffering from an opioid overdose.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services. Along these lines, we support efforts which increase access to voluntary, culturally responsive, community-based behavioral health services.

Assembly Bill 19 will ensure our schools are prepared to protect our youth in the event of overdose. With the dramatic increase in Fentanyl poisoning, overdoses can happen with the ingestion of a single pill. Youth who experience overdose can just as easily be first-time or infrequent users as individuals with a substance use issue. Requiring K-12 schools to maintain naloxone on campus has the potential to save the lives of countless children and youth in California.

For these reasons, we SUPPORT Assembly Bill 19. If you or your staff have any questions, or if Mental Health America of California can be of any assistance on this or any other behavioral health bill, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org. In Community,

Heidi Strunk
President & CEO
Mental Health America of California

AB 236 (HOLDEN) Ghost Network Prevention – Support

March 29, 2023

The Honorable Chris Holden
California State Assembly
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0041

Re: AB 236 (Holden) SUPPORT

Dear Assemblymember Holden:

On behalf of Mental Health America of California, I am writing to express our strong support of AB 236 (Holden), which would put an end to ‘ghost lists’ and rampant insurance provider list inaccuracies by reinforcing current policy with accuracy guidelines, benchmark goals, and effective enforcement methods.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services. Along these lines, we support efforts which increase access to voluntary, culturally responsive, community-based behavioral health services.

Although California has strong laws and regulations regarding the accuracy of provider health plan directories, these laws are not adequately enforced. People in need of mental health services are routinely provided with outdated provider lists that are grossly inaccurate, with numerous providers listed who are unavailable to see new clients for a variety of reasons. This results in significant challenges and delays for people in need of behavioral health care in obtaining that care.

AB 236 would require health plans and insurers to annually audit their provider directories and remove inaccurate listings, with accuracy benchmarks beginning with 60% accuracy on January 1, 2024, increasing annually to reach 95% accuracy by January 1, 2027. Additionally, this measure would subject plans and insurers to penalties for failure to meet these benchmarks and for inaccurate listings in a provider directory. These enforcement provisions will result in meaningful improvements in access to care for Californians with behavioral health needs.

For these reasons, Mental Health America of California is in strong support of AB 236.

If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Interim Public Policy Director, Karen Vicari (kvicari@mhaofca.org).

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO

AB 456 (MAIENSCHEIN) CSU Mental Health Hotlines – Support

March 22, 2023

The Honorable Brian Maienschein
State Assembly
1021 O St., Suite 6220
Sacramento CA 95814

Subject: SUPPORT for AB 456 (Maienschein)

Dear Assembly Member Maienschein:

Mental Health America of California is pleased to SUPPORT Assembly Bill 456 (Maienschein), legislation which would require California State University (CSU) and California Community Colleges (CCC) campuses and request University of California (UC) campuses to establish a campus mental health hotline.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services. Along these lines, we support efforts which increase access to voluntary, culturally responsive, community-based behavioral health services.

MHAC firmly believes that providing mental health services and supports to college students not only improves student success and campus life, but also student mental health. Between 2018 and 2020 the suicide rate for youth ages 15-24 in California was 8.7 per 100,000. We must do everything we can to reduce these startling statistics. While many campuses, in their respective systems, already provide mental health services and supports, there are campuses that do not provide mental health services, leaving many students without a support system during a time of crisis.

Assembly Bill 456 will help close the equity gap for a vulnerable age group with little to no access to mental health services. Our institutions of higher learning build communities on their campus to foster a supportive environment for personal development and educational success. Ensuring access to a mental health hotline in a time of crisis provides the greatest access to community based behavioral health services for this age group.

For these reasons, we SUPPORT AB 456. If you or your staff have any questions, or if Mental Health America of California can be of any assistance on this or any other behavioral health bill, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi Strunk
President & CEO
Mental Health America of California

AB 1437 (IRWIN) Medi-Cal: Serious Mental Illness – Support

March 21, 2023

The Honorable Jacqui Irwin
California State Assembly
1021 O St., Suite 6220
Sacramento CA 95814

Subject: SUPPORT for AB 1437 (Irwin)

Dear Assembly Member Irwin:

Mental Health America of California is pleased to SUPPORT Assembly Bill 1437 (Irwin), legislation that will improve access to crucial serious mental illness medications for Medi-Cal patients by removing unnecessary prescription reauthorization barriers.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services. Along these lines, we support efforts which increase access to voluntary, culturally responsive, community-based behavioral health services.

It is estimated that more than 5 million Californians have a mental health condition, with over 1.3 million adults facing serious mental health challenges. Early access to mental health services and supports is vital to improving the lives of people living with mental health challenges.

Current reauthorization procedures delay people with mental health challenges, who are covered under Medi-Cal, from receiving medication without first having the prescriber get authorization before the medicine can be dispensed. This barrier increases the likelihood of negative outcomes such as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, being unhoused, suicidal ideation, or incarceration.

Assembly Bill 1437 would allow access to much needed medication for people with mental health challenges faster and more efficiently. It improves their quality of life by supporting a full, independent, and productive lifestyle by eliminating barriers to mental health medication access when a person seeks behavioral healthcare.

For these reasons, we SUPPORT AB 1437. If you or your staff have any questions, or would like assistance with this or any other bill, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

Sincerely,

Heidi Strunk
President & CEO
Mental Health America of California

AB 948 (BERMAN) Prescription Drug Copay Cap – Support

March 23, 2023

The Honorable Marc Berman
California State Assembly
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0023

RE: AB 948 (Berman) – Prescription Drug Copay Cap – SUPPORT

Dear Assemblymember Berman:

Mental Health America of California is pleased to SUPPORT Assembly Bill 948 (Berman), legislation which will make permanent the existing $250 co-pay cap for prescription drugs, ensuring consumers can count on their monthly prescription drug costs staying within reach. The bill also extends other key consumer protection standards for the tiering of prescription drugs in a health plan’s formulary.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services. Along these lines, we support efforts which increase access to voluntary, culturally responsive, community-based behavioral health services.

Before the $250 cost-sharing cap was signed into law with AB 339 (Gordon, Chapter 619 of 2015), Californians with serious mental health challenges were particularly vulnerable to high out-of- pocket costs because more expensive specialty drugs were often put on the highest tier of the formulary, costing thousands of dollars. Just filling one prescription in January meant consumers often reached their annual out-of-pocket limit of $6,000 for that single prescription in one month.

Since 2015, prescription drug costs have increased significantly – 22.2% over the last five years, or about 5% each year. As prescription drug prices rise, more and more consumers’ prescription drugs will hit the $250 cost-sharing cap, increasing the number of Californians who will be counting on this consumer protection to keep costs lower. If the co-pay cap sunsets at the end of 2023, more costs will be shifted to consumers. People that need high-cost prescription drugs could be charged up to the out-of-pocket maximum for a 30-day prescription; the 2023 out-of-pocket maximum is $8,750 for Silver Plans, and is expected to increase in 2024.

Prescription drug costs are one of many barriers preventing people with mental health challenges from receiving necessary treatment. AB 948 will continue an existing policy that has made it possible for significant numbers of people with mental health challenges to afford their medication.

For these reasons, we SUPPORT Assembly Bill 948. If you or your staff have any questions or if MHAC can be of assistance on this or any behavioral health bill, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk@mhac.org, or our Interim Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhacofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi Strunk
President & CEO
Mental Health America of California

AB 289 (HOLDEN) Mental Health Services Act – Support

February 23, 2023

The Honorable Chris Holden
California State Assembly
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0041

RE: SUPPORT AB 289 (Holden) – Mental Health Services Act

Dear Assembly Member Holden:

On behalf of Mental Health America of California (MHAC), I write to express our strong support for AB 289 (Holden), which would require youth and youth mental health organizations to be added to the list of stakeholders who must be included in discussions with counties as they develop their Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) three-year plans and annual updates.

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is a peer-run organization that has been leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services. Along these lines, we support efforts which increase access to voluntary, appropriate, culturally responsive, mental health services for all Californians.

The MHSA was written to transform California’s Public Mental Health System by prioritizing, among other things, extensive stakeholder involvement in the development, implementation, and evaluation of MHSA-funded county programs and services. The reasoning behind this is that each county will have different community needs, and the stakeholders living in the community are the most knowledgeable about the needs and service gaps within their own communities.

The behavioral health needs of Youth and Transition Age Youth (TAY) require services which are often separate and distinct from the services utilized by adults. For this reason, to ensure that MHSA-funded services in each county are responsive to the needs of youth, it is important that youth and youth mental health organizations be required stakeholders in county MHSA planning.

For these reasons, MHAC is in strong support of AB 289. If you have any questions and or if Mental Health America of California can be of any assistance on this or any other behavioral health bill, please contact me or our Interim Director of Public Policy Karen Vicari at kvicari@mhaofca.org.

In Community,

Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO