Congressman Dan Goldman and Senator Gillibrand Host Press Conference Announcing Bicameral Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Care

‘Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act’ Incentivizes States to Support Intensive Community-Based Services for Those Living with Serious Mental Illnesses

Congressman Goldman and Senator Gillibrand Joined by Local Elected Officials and  Advocates to Support Expanded Access to Mental Health Treatment

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today held a press conference with local elected officials and advocates to announce their bicameral “Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act.” This legislation creates a new package of services within Medicaid to support individuals living with serious mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and major depressive disorder. Congressman Goldman and Senator Gillibrand introduced the legislation to ensure that those living with SMIs get the mental health care they deserve.

“Millions of Americans living with serious mental illnesses are falling through the cracks in our health care system with devastating consequences for all of us,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “We must raise the quality and accessibility of mental health care in this country to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are treated with the dignity that they deserve while they receive the compassionate care that their conditions require. Affordable, quality mental healthcare is a human right that we owe to every member of our community, regardless of their circumstances.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “People living with serious mental illnesses need treatment and resources in order to lead healthy, full lives. New Yorkers have seen firsthand the devastating impact of untreated mental illness in our communities and we must do more to support everyone in our state. Community-based services for adults with SMI, like the services offered at Fountain House, have a proven track record of helping individuals thrive in their own homes and communities. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Goldman to introduce the Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act to help provide comprehensive care to adults living with SMI.”

Congressman Jerry Nadler said, “Everyone deserves high quality, accessible, and affordable health care— including those seeking care for serious mental illnesses. With nearly a third of adults living with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder going without any treatment, it is essential we strengthen Medicaid to ensure adults struggling with serious mental illnesses have access to a variety of community-based services.”

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigalsaid, “One in twenty adults experience a serious mental illness — and yet many don’t have access to resources they need to seek treatment. Especially following a nearly three-year long pandemic, we desperately need to address this crisis from a federal level. I applaud Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Goldman for introducing comprehensive legislation to provide our most vulnerable Americans with everything from intensive case management to housing services.”

New York State Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “Tackling the mental health crisis requires focus and action from all levels of government. The tragic results of severe untreated mental illness is witnessed by New Yorkers everyday on our streets. This legislation will enable New York to provide greater care through Medicaid and help our unhoused neighbors find care and stability in their lives. I am grateful to Senator Gillibrand & Congressman Goldman for leading on this crucial challenge.”

NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher said, “We must address the crisis the severe mental health crisis that has engulfed our country. This requires utilizing every tool at our disposal from every level of government. I want to thank Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Goldman for carrying the Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to advocate for its passage. We have an obligation to do all we can for those suffering with serious mental illness and this act takes a significant step forward in addressing this issue.” 

To better support those living with SMI, the Strengthening Medicaid for Serious MentalIllness Act would:

Create a new waiver program granting Medicaid authority to provide states with an option to offer a package of services targeted specifically to individuals with SMI. The package would include:

1. Assertive community treatment, an evidence-based, highly individualized team-based service designed to support adults with the most intensive mental health needs;
2. Supported employment to help individuals get and keep a job;
3. Peer support services from individuals who have lived or living experiences with mental health conditions;
4. Mobile crisis intervention teams that can help de-escalate situations and link individuals to other community-based services;
5. Intensive case management; and
6. Housing-related activities and services to support individuals with transitioning to and maintaining housing.

Require states to adhere to certain standards, like tracking disparities in treatment, to ensure services are delivered with care to all in need.

Create a tiered Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) increase to incentivize states to provide intensive community-based services to individuals with SMI. This means that states could receive an increase up to 25 percent in funds allocated by the federal government for their Medicaid programs.

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