The Minister Kevin Humphries admits it can be difficult for people in rural areas who have to travel long distances for acute treatment. But he says the government’s resources, priorities and care models should be driven back into community based treatment. “We’re not in the business of building more in-patient acute beds,” he said. “At least half the people that have defaulted to that system in the past could be better catered for and cared for in the community.” “What we really should be doing is pushing back and making sure that our care models are more robust back in the community.” The Principal Official Visitor under the Mental Health Act in New South Wales, agrees with the minister. Jan Roberts says child and adolescent mental health is complex, and the aim is to keep young people out of mental health facilities and care for them in the community.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-28/mental-health-minister-rejects-calls-for-more-acute-beds-for-ch/5049248
Study: ACA Could Close Mental Health Treatment Gap
1, 2014. Under the ACA, aka Obamacare, health insurers are forbidden from excluding people with pre-existing illness. Health plans offered through Covered California, the states online exchange, will include mental health coverage. California has added a mental health component to its expanded Medi-Cal (Californias Medicaid program for low-income people) that will ensure that its Medi-Cal population with mental disabilities receives more comprehensive mental health benefitsthe same, in fact, as people with physical health issues, starting Jan. 1, 2014.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://newamericamedia.org/2013/10/study-aca-could-close-mental-health-treatment-gap.php
VP Biden: Country on cusp of mental health changes
Photo: Steven Senne, AP Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addresses an… FILE – In this July 18, 2013 file photo, Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Washington. Biden is planning to join Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy on Wednesday, Oct.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.seattlepi.com/news/medical/article/VP-Biden-Country-on-cusp-of-mental-health-changes-4918412.php
Right Wing Sparkle 