Behavioral health as a priority
The House and Senate passed a bipartisan package to address access and the modernization of the behavioral health system of care. The legislation (HB 1148/SB 582) establishes the Commission on Behavioral Health Care and Treatment Access and responds to several BHSB priorities such as access to telehealth and increasing the behavioral health workforce.
Additional funding for the 988 Trust Fund
Another priority behavioral health bill that passed this session (HB 271/SB 3) allocated an additional $12 million to the 988 Trust Fund. This bill was supported by the Fund Maryland 988 Campaign, which continues to garner support for Maryland 988 and behavioral health crisis services.
Expedited reimbursement rate increases
The budget included an 11% Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for community-based behavioral health services. Starting July 1, 2023, rates will increase by 3% and another 8% increase will begin on January 1, 2024, to align with the state’s minimum wage increase.
Limited progress for harm reduction efforts
Bills to decriminalize drug paraphernalia (HB 173/SB 762) and create overdose prevention sites (HB 953/SB 618) failed to advance this year. BHSB and its partners will continue working to pass these important overdose prevention and harm reduction efforts next year.
