Gov. Charlie Baker to announce ‘comprehensive new health care legislation’ Tuesday afternoon

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will announce a new piece of health care legislation Tuesday afternoon in hopes of increasing access to medical care and lowering costs for patients.

At 2 p.m., the governor will speak from Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester to unveil the “comprehensive” health care package, his office said.

The event will be streamed online and on YouTube.

Further details on Baker’s proposed legislation were not immediately clear, but the announcement follows remarks from the governor and state Senate president on improving mental and behavioral health treatment in Massachusetts.

In his final State of the Commonwealth address in January, Baker stressed the need to fill gaps in the state’s mental health care exposed during a two-year pandemic.

“The health care system doesn’t value behavioral health services, primary care and geriatric services,” Baker said in the Jan. 25 speech. “And as a result, there are enormous staff and clinician shortages in exactly the areas of care we need most.”

Baker said at the time that he knew the State Legislature “cares deeply about these issues” and that he hoped to work with lawmakers to reform mental health care.

On Monday, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka, a vocal advocate for behavioral health reform, said she would support President Joe Biden’s commitment to addressing a worsening mental health crisis across the country.

During a virtual White House briefing focused on the American Rescue Plan Act, Spilka touted Massachusetts’ “significant” investments in mental health and behavioral health, tallying about $400 million.

“As President Biden called for in his State of the Union address, let’s get all Americans the mental health services that they need,” Spilka said, adding, “While I’m very proud of the strides we’ve made in Massachusetts on these issues, my sincere hope is that these important initiatives become reality for all Americans, and so I will continue to fight like hell for President Biden’s unity agenda. I agree with the president that our best days are ahead.”

Biden’s sweeping mental health strategy entails strengthening the network of behavioral health providers, launching the 988 crisis response line, expanding community-based mental health services, integrating mental health and substance use treatment into primary care settings, and improving access to telehealth options, according to the White House.

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Author: Health Watch Minute

Health Watch Minute Provides the latest health information, from around the globe.