Session Abstract: Toward truly comprehensive care: How recent changes to federal health policy promote integrated care

A number of federal laws that will significantly impact access to mental health services and promote integrated care have been signed into law in the last several years. These laws include the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization (CHIPRA) of 2009, the Health Information Technology for Clinical and Economic Health (HITECH) Act passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Taken together, these laws will expand access to services and promote care coordination and integration through the establishment of expanded health coverage, new consumer protections, and innovative payment and quality reporting measures. These developments will affect both private and public health coverage, spurring changes in the way care is provided and reimbursed. Relevant provisions of the laws and opportunities to leverage these changes to improve care will be discussed. Presenters will include: 1. Bruce Lesley, How recent federal policy changes promote integrated care: An overview; 2. (see session abstract author), Prevention and early identification of adolescent mental illness: Opportunities in health care reform; 3. Catherine Finley, Medicaid policy: Improving comprehensive well-child care; 4. David L. Shern, PhD, How federal mental health parity protections promote access to mental health services and integrated care; and 5. Kelly Kelleher, MD, MPH, How payment and quality reforms will incentivize integrated care. Session organizer: beleliej@childpsych.columbia.edu or 212-265-3196.