SB0476 - Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Rate Equity Act

• Beginning July 1, 2021, increase reimbursement rates by 9% for community-based mental health treatment services and substance use disorder treatment services, with 7% increases on July 1, 2022, and 5% increases on July 1, 2023.

• Starting in 2024 and annually thereafter, adjust rates upward by the Consumer Price Index-U from the previous year, capped at 2% per fiscal year, for mental health and substance use disorder services.

• Beginning July 1, 2021, increase reimbursement rates by 9% for psychiatric and behavioral health services provided by community mental health centers and behavioral health clinics, with incremental decreases (7% in 2022, 5% in 2023) followed by Consumer Price Index-U adjustments.

• Starting in 2023, appropriate funds to ensure community-based prevention organizations and mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers receive grants adjusted annually by Consumer Price Index-U, not to exceed 2%.

• Authorize the Department of Human Services and Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt emergency rules to implement the rate increases, with the emergency rulemaking authority expiring January 1, 2026.