NJAMHA

Senate Budget and Appropriations (Budget Hearings Only) on the FY 2009 State Budget for the Department of Human Services (DHS)

Representatives from NJAMHA attended the Senate Budget and Appropriations Hearing on the FY 2009 State Budget for the Department of Human Services. The full day hearings consisted of a morning hearing that focused only on Medicaid and an afternoon hearing that included discussion of all other DHS topics. Numerous topics included in NJAMHA's FY 2009 advocacy campaign were discussed. The content of the questions posed by the Senators coupled with the answers provided by Department of Human Services (DHS) staff showed that NJAMHA's voice has been heard and it has had a strong impact on consideration of these very important issues. Below please find some of the highlights from the day:

Medicaid Only
DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez highlighted the importance of the FY 2009 Medicaid budget to DHS services by emphasizing that of the $10 billion in Medicaid funding spent per year, two thirds of the funding is distributed to DHS. Commissioner Velez noted that many of the recent audit recommendations were already underway at DHS at the time of the audit and that the remaining recommendations are under review at the Attorney General's office.

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State Funding Is Essential for Residents’ Mental Health and the State’s Financial Stability

Throughout New Jersey, one in four individuals has a mental illness. Of these, nearly 500,000 adults have serious mental illnesses, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Adults with serious mental illnesses are 2.5 times more likely to be incarcerated, rather than admitted to psychiatric hospitals, because of untreated symptoms that primarily lead to misdemeanors. These staggering statistics illustrate the need for sufficient funding for nonprofit, community-based mental health providers, who deliver cost-effective services that enable individuals of all ages to manage their symptoms and lead productive lives.

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House Passes Medicaid Moratorium Bill

On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, two-thirds of House Republicans joined with Democrats, in a 349 to 62 vote, to pass H.R. 5613, the Protecting Medicaid Safety Net Act (Dingell [D-MI]/Murphy [R-PA]), which would place a moratorium, through April 1, 2009, on seven Medicaid regulations that would cut federal Medicaid funds and shift more costs onto State budgets.

Aside from Rep. Rob Andrews (D-1), who did not vote, and Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5) voting against, the remaining New Jersey Congressmen voted to pass H.R. 5613: A heartfelt thanks to Reps. Frank LoBiondo (R-2), Jim Saxton (R-3), Chris Smith (R-4), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-6), Michael Ferguson (R-7), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-8), Steve Rothman (D-9), Donald Payne ((D-10), Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11), Rush Holt (D-12), Albio Sires (D-13). Click here to see Roll Call Votes.

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Trenton Times Editorial Highlights Need for Mental Health Funding

Trenton - Following a recent meeting of NJAMHA staff and members with the Trenton Times editorial staff, Editor Brian Malone published an editorial in the May 3, 2008 edition. Following is an excerpt of the editorial that mentions NJAMHA:

"The New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies Inc., which represents 125 nonprofit mental health organizations, is calling for $25 million for salary parity; $95 million, or a 3.6 per cent increase, to cover escalat ing costs of providing services, and $50 million in increased Medicaid benefits ($25 million of which is reimbursable)."

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