Latest Discussion Draft Would Improve Mental Health Care for Youth in Medicaid

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-L.A.) today released a discussion draft for youth mental health care policies as a part of the committee’s ongoing work to improve mental health care across the nation, which has included a public call for comments and four hearings to help develop these initiatives.

“Young people across the country are facing unprecedented challenges, and it’s taking a devastating toll on their mental health,” Wyden said. “By strengthening access to mental health care through Medicaid — which covers half of all children in this country — the Finance Committee can make a real difference in helping kids get the care they need, whether that’s at home, in the doctor’s office, or at school. I’m proud that the committee was able to come together on a bipartisan basis to craft these policies, and I look forward to continuing that work in the coming weeks and months.” Read more