California Governor, Gavin Newsom called the homelessness crisis an “issues that defines our times.” He would not be mistaken. Homelessness is an issue that needs to be addressed, starting with proper mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Earlier this year, a federal judge ruled that United Health Group was unfairly rejecting claims from thousands of people seeking treatment. However, the current state law of California has rules for only 9 of the mental health issues be a covered benefit by large commercial insurances. SB855, a senate bill introduced would cover all mental health issues not only the ones considered to be major: ie: depression, schizophrenia or bi-polar.

However, under this implemented bill, Medi-Cal would be getting reformed. Medi-Cal, often described as fragmented, would be streamlined improving care management, social services and housing assistance, improving quality outcomes, and more.

The governor also proposed changes to Proposition 63, better known as the Mental Health Services Act that passed in 2004 making Mental Health care for those who have previously used substances available. As it stands now, the benefits would not apply. Proposition 63, a 1% tax on income more than one million dollars, brings in roughly $2.4 billion a year.

An additional key proponent to this mental health proposition is the housing factor. The governors proposed budget for these services of $750 million for the development of houses, and services with 24/7 care staff. The houses or facilities would not be a locked in type unit but would allow people to come and leave freely.

Inner Circle Billing urges anyone suffering from mental health or a substance abuse disorder to actively seek treatment.

Posted in 2020 News