BBB Act & Behavioral Health Support | Streamline Healthcare

by Cristina Prince
Blog

Key takeaways from Build Back Better Act: How Behavioral Healthcare providers can prepare for the billions earmarked for their industry. 

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the $1.75 Trillion Build Back Better Act, which includes a massive influx of money to overwhelmed and understaffed behavioral health organizations. This legislation now goes to the Senate for approval. 

Below are some notable points:

  • $150 Billion to increase Medicaid healthcare access for millions  
  • $2 Billion to community health centers 
  • $1 Billion to incentivize the direct healthcare workforce growth through innovative models 
  • $50 Million to strengthen skills of mental health and substance abuse workforce 
  • $7 Billion to improve the quality and accountability of these health services 

Ways Behavioral Healthcare Providers can prepare for the Build Back Better Act’s funding 

  • Expand Behavioral Health Services 
  • Reduce barriers to patients – financial, age, location, culture, etc.
  • Adhere to all state quality reporting requirements

Expanding Services and Reducing Barriers

The demand for behavioral home healthcare is on the rise and was high before the pandemic. The trend isn’t stopping, with many Americans facing social isolation, loss of routines, and traumatic grief. According to census data, 30% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. The CDC found that 40% of U.S. adults delayed or avoided getting the care they needed in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

Home and Community-based services cover a wide range of services typically done at a person’s home or in their community, which helps patients avoid barriers to getting treatment. Barriers can include financial concerns, gender, culture, and other factors. 

Direct home care is necessary for many patients, whether it is an appointment with a mental health provider, substance abuse counselor, or they need assistance eating, getting dressed, or taking medication. It can also help those in rural areas. 

Enhance and Improve Reporting

Health data organization, access, and quality metrics reporting will be essential for providers looking to secure federal funding as lawmakers review the Build Back Better Act to provide a much-needed pipeline of support to the industry.  

In an OPEN MINDS Executive Panel webinar, Streamline Healthcare Solutions, a leading provider of an Electronic Health Record (EHR)and business management platform, shares an overview of what critical reports most behavioral health organizations utilize to meet specific state reporting requirements.   

Experience an EHR that’s adaptable and ready to support your organization

Since 2003, Streamline has focused exclusively on the Behavioral Health and Human Services market. They understand that organizations need more than just another EHR vendor. Streamline’s SmartCare™ is an enterprise, cloud-based, single-platform, intelligent EHR that comes equipped with an array of reports that help hundreds of partners streamline their clinical and billing processes. 

If you would like to learn more about this intelligent EHR platform, which includes an impressive data warehouse structure and industry-leading reporting features, please request a demo. 

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