NJAMHAA 75th Anniversary

Commemorative Journal 19 In 2023, NJAMHAA identified items to focus on from among the full list of recommendations, modifying its goals over time as new information and situations dictated. For example, one originally selected goal was to seek additional funding for the statewide pre- and post-release peer program. It was then learned that at the time, current program staffing fully met current demand and what was first needed was a change to broaden the eligibility criteria of those served. Another goal was to facilitate having the Juvenile Justice Commission establish relationships with CCBHCs and other youth-serving programs to develop referral pathways. NJAMHAA has continued to work with both state and federal leaders to expand access to CCBHCs not only for justice-system involved individuals, but for all populations, and progress has been made in more recent years. Reentry Initiatives (continued) Following NJAMHAA’s years of persistent advocacy and participation in coalitions with other stakeholders, a new state parity law, “An Act concerning health insurance coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders” (P.L. 2019, c. 58), was enacted. It further enhanced parity and enforcement of insurance companies’ compliance; and expanded coverage to include treatment for all biologically based mental health illnesses, autism and substance use disorders, including inpatient residential care. Also in FY2019, NJAMHAA supported eliminating prior authorization barriers for HIV treatment, which was included in the state’s “End the Epidemic” strategy, as well as the elimination of prior authorization for Medicaid coverage of medication-assisted treatment. FY2019 NJAMHAA led the successful campaign to reinstate funding in 90 schools for the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) after funding had been fully cut in the Governor’s proposed Revised FY2021 budget. In addition, a law to increase personal care assistants’ hourly rate to $15 was enacted in December 2019, and the FY2020 State Budget included $7.8 million to increase access to medication-assisted treatment for justice-involved individuals to ensure continuity of care when they re- enter the community. transitioning to fee-for-service so that DMHAS and Medicaid could evaluate time-study results, review focus group input, determine any rate changes and resolve other challenges in CSS operations. In addition, NJAMHAA’s advocacy resulted in a budget line for fee- for-service supplemental funds and restoration of funding to Care Management Organizations. The Unforeseen Coronavirus Changed the World and NJAMHAA Immediately Responded Immediately after Governor Phil Murphy announced a state of emergency due to the coronavirus, NJAMHAA focused its advocacy on the difficulties providers were experiencing and anticipating related to the pandemic. Members were quickly engaged to provide input on the impact of COVID-19, details of the challenges and specifics on the support needed from the state and federal governments. 1976 The 1976 Plan: A Manual for Reform of New Jersey’s Mental Health Care System was published, focusing on achieving dignity, self-determination and community integration. President Jimmy Carter established the President’s Commission on Mental Health, the first comprehensive survey of mental health care since the 1950s. 1977 FY2020