Economic justice issue

By Rebecca Chamow, legislative analyst

When it comes to funding for mental health programs, every penny counts. California's public mental health programs are administered at the county level. As the system is currently set up, the state is supposed to reimburse counties for certain public mental health programs. However, the state has failed in the past to do so in several counties. AB 1780 by Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani (D–Livingston) would put in place regulations to prevent that from happening again.

The Department of Mental Health is sponsoring AB 1780 to establish a framework for delivering mental health services under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program (EPSDT), a benefit to Medi-Cal eligible children with serious emotional disturbances.

Most children receive Medi-Cal mental health services through the EPSDT program, which is extremely important for children dealing with extreme emotional distress. It covers screening, diagnosis, and treatment services, including mental health assessments, family therapy, rehabilitation, mental health services, medication monitoring, crisis intervention/stabilization, targeted case management, and therapeutic behavioral services.

The lack of clarity in the current law has caused a great deal of inefficiency and, in some cases, significant accounting problems. In the Budget Act of 2007, Chapter 171 required the Department of Mental Health to develop a plan specifically addressing the administrative structure needed for delivery of EPSDT services.

AB 1780 is the solution to this very significant problem. Please write a letter to your senator and ask him or her to support this important bill.

Sample Letter

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The Hon.
The California State Legislature
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Senator:

I am writing to urge you to support AB 1780 by Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani. This measure would establish an administrative and procedural framework for the operation of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program (EPSDT) at the state level. The administration of this program is currently disorganized and inefficient, which has caused significant problems in past years. The Department of Mental Health is sponsoring AB 1780 in order to clarify the current law related to EPSDT, a benefit to Medi-Cal eligible children with serious emotional disturbances.

Most children on Medi-Cal assistance receive mental health services through the EPSDT program. This program is extremely important for children dealing with extreme emotional distress. It covers screening, diagnosis, and treatment services, including mental health assessments, family therapy, rehabilitation, mental health services, medication monitoring, crisis intervention/stabilization, targeted case management, and therapeutic behavioral services.

In the Budget Act of 2007, Chapter 171 required the Department of Mental Health to develop a plan specifically addressing the administrative structure needed for delivery of EPSDT services. AB 1780 is the solution to this very significant problem. I urge you to support this measure.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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Economic justice issue

Sample Letter

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