{"id":48060,"date":"2023-01-29T00:00:48","date_gmt":"2023-01-29T00:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/mental-health-bills-abound-at-wyoming-legislature\/"},"modified":"2023-01-29T00:00:48","modified_gmt":"2023-01-29T00:00:48","slug":"mental-health-bills-abound-at-wyoming-legislature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/mental-health-bills-abound-at-wyoming-legislature\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental health bills abound at Wyoming Legislature"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> \n<\/p>\n<div>\n<aside>\t\t\t\t\t<amp-analytics class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t<\/amp-analytics><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s a banner year for mental health bills in the Wyoming Legislature.<\/p>\n<p>There are around 20 measures that at least touch on the topic, according to Andi Summerville, executive director of the Wyoming Association of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s great to see mental health as such a prominent topic,\u201d she said. \u201cThat is certainly a change from even five years prior.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The raft of legislation comes amid growing concerns about a mental health crisis in the state. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Wyoming\u2019s suicide rate in 2020 was the highest in the nation, and the state <a href=\"https:\/\/mhanational.org\/issues\/2022\/ranking-states\">scored last <\/a>in Mental Health America\u2019s 2022 analysis of needs versus access.<\/p>\n<p>The crisis isn\u2019t just numbers, though. It\u2019s families and communities who have lost people. It\u2019s desperate residents unable to find help.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSince the beginning of COVID \u2026 it feels like drinking from a firehose,\u201d said Lindsay Simineo, a licensed counselor working with the Wyoming Counseling Association. \u201cThere is such a need, the need is everywhere, the need is constant. The moment that you discharge somebody, there\u2019s somebody on a waitlist looking to move in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That need is outpacing Wyoming health providers\u2019 capabilities, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\">\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cThere is such a need, the need is everywhere, the need is constant.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><cite><strong><em>Lindsay Simineo, Wyoming Counseling Association<\/em><\/strong><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<p>\u201cThe mental health providers that are in the state are exhausted,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re burned out. We haven\u2019t quit doing the work because we know the work needs to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Hollis Hackman, a licensed psychologist and advocate for the Wyoming Psychological Association, agrees.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have providers who have no space in their books,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen I hear the word crisis, you know, it\u2019s: you don\u2019t have access to care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s compounded by the stigma of Wyomingites not wanting to ask for help or be seen at a physical office, he said. While <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/lives-on-the-line-working-wyos-first-suicide-prevention-hotline\/\">the new 988<\/a> suicide prevention crisis hotline can help keep people alive, it doesn\u2019t provide long-term care and \u201cwe don\u2019t know how long [the hotline] <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/increasing-call-volumes-could-swamp-wyo-suicide-hotline-just-as-it-goes-24-7%ef%bf%bc\/\">going to last<\/a>,\u201d Hackman added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Bills that reorganize how the state provides mental health care are abundant this year, but many of the funding allocations are expected during next year\u2019s budget session, Summerville said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meantime, lawmakers are asking themselves how much the state should step in to facilitate mental health programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs we talk about, and think about all of these things around mental health, probably the most important question you can be asking yourself at this time is: what\u2019s the state\u2019s role?\u201d Rep. Lloyd Larsen (R-Lander) said at the Governor\u2019s Mental Health Summit in Casper last October.<\/p>\n<p>Among the myriad mental health-related bills this session, advocates are keeping a close eye on suicide call center support, Medicaid expansion, regional agreements over mental health provider licensing, school finance for mental health and postpartum Medicaid access.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>988 Suicide Lifeline<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The Federal Communications Commission <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/document\/fcc-staff-report-3-digit-number-suicide-prevention-hotline\">recommended<\/a> that Congress create a national, three-digit suicide help line in 2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That came on the heels of a separate Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report, which found about 76% of people surveyed said their initial crisis call stopped them from killing themselves. A follow-up call saved even a higher percentage of suicidal people \u2014 79%.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>By the summer of 2020, the FCC designated 988 as a crisis call number and began work to roll it out nationally. At the same time, Wyoming got its first state-based <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/lives-on-the-line-working-wyos-first-suicide-prevention-hotline\/\">crisis call centers<\/a>, though they started with a different phone number.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Wyoming was the last to have a state-based center for such calls, according to WAMHSAC\u2019s website. Crisis center employees have said some callers are <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/lives-on-the-line-working-wyos-first-suicide-prevention-hotline\/\">relieved<\/a> they\u2019re talking to someone local who understands Wyoming.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In 2022, federal American Rescue Plan money went to Wyoming\u2019s crisis call centers. Those dollars are currently set to fund the state\u2019s centers through June 2024, Summerville said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><amp-img width=\"780\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"A woman at a desk with an earphone headset stares at two screens\" class=\"wp-image-81809 amp-wp-enforced-sizes i-amphtml-layout-intrinsic i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=706%2C471&amp;ssl=1 706w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?w=2340&amp;ssl=1 2340w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" layout=\"intrinsic\" disable-inline-width=\"\" i-amphtml-layout=\"intrinsic\"><i-amphtml-sizer slot=\"i-amphtml-svc\" class=\"i-amphtml-sizer\"><img alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"i-amphtml-intrinsic-sizer\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyBoZWlnaHQ9IjUyMCIgd2lkdGg9Ijc4MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIiB2ZXJzaW9uPSIxLjEiLz4=\"\/><\/i-amphtml-sizer><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"A woman at a desk with an earphone headset stares at two screens\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?resize=706%2C471&amp;ssl=1 706w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/DSC_0064-1-scaled.jpg?w=2340&amp;ssl=1 2340w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\"\/><\/noscript><\/amp-img><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Suicide Prevention Lifeline operator in Casper waits for calls from 307 area code phone numbers on May 11, 2022. (Sofia Jeremias\/WyoFile)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>More recently, the Joint Revenue Interim Committee sponsored <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2023\/HB0065\">House Bill 65 \u2013 988 suicide prevention<\/a>. Its initial version established standards for the 988 system and provided funding: $40 million dollars for the program and another $6 million in a proposed trust fund.<\/p>\n<aside>\t\t\t\t\t<amp-analytics class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t<\/amp-analytics><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>On Jan. 20, lawmakers on the House floor <a href=\"http:\/\/www.buffalobulletin.com\/news\/article_a8c1bfd8-9b40-11ed-8901-73503f1830a7.html\">gutted<\/a> all of the bill\u2019s funding. Those who voted to cut the money argued they don\u2019t have to fund it now since it still has over a year of federal funding left to use, and lawmakers could learn more about the program and other states\u2019 decisions in the meantime.<\/p>\n<p>On Jan. 25, an amendment to establish a trust fund and add $4 million into it failed. However, a second amendment succeeded at reinstating the trust fund without any money. Even that proved contentious, with a 33-26 vote.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce again, we keep playing around with something we shouldn\u2019t,\u201d said Rep. Bill Allemand (R-Midwest). \u201cIf we put the trust account in now, why?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Others argued that it was good to plan somewhat in advance, and this could be a place to store any outside money donated for the 988 system.<\/p>\n<p>The state is questioning its role in providing mental health services, said Rep. Larsen, but, \u201con the other side of this, we\u2019ve got a lot of private donors, nonprofit organizations that are saying, \u2018we would like to participate. How do we do that?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\t\t\t\t\t<amp-analytics class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t<\/amp-analytics><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Summerville said a trust fund would also be useful to store money when the state knows it has excess funding, like this year, in preparation for bust years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEspecially during the bust cycle, [the mental health sector] in Wyoming has traditionally taken pretty large budget cuts,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd when folks are laid off, they lose their jobs, they start to experience that financial stress that makes the need and demand for mental health services rise.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As it\u2019s written, HB-65 would now call on the Department of Health to ask for 988 funding as part of its budget request, which Summerville said can prove challenging to fund in lean years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That bill now heads to the Senate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Medicaid Expansion<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The federal Affordable Care Act allows states the option of expanding Medicaid to make the insurance available to those under the age of 65 who make less than 138% of the federal poverty level \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/aspe.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/4b515876c4674466423975826ac57583\/Guidelines-2022.pdf\">about $18,700<\/a> per year for an individual.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, Wyoming is one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/medicaid\/issue-brief\/status-of-state-medicaid-expansion-decisions-interactive-map\/\">11 states<\/a> that haven\u2019t done so. Proponents say doing so would expand access to mental health care.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In years past, lawmakers opposed to Medicaid expansion reasoned that Wyoming shouldn\u2019t depend on or trust the federal government more than it already does. This year, some previous naysayers have changed their tune.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI voted against this probably 10 times,\u201d Rep. Steve Harshman (R-Casper) said, \u201cWe wanted to go down the road of every other option \u2026 there\u2019s been no other option.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said those opposed in the state and the nation are learning and coming around to the idea, and \u201cit\u2019s the right thing to do for people.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2023\/HB0080\">House Bill 80 \u2013 Medical treatment opportunity act-Medicaid reform<\/a> would expand Medicaid as long as the federal government continues to cover 90% of the insurance cost. The federal match is currently scheduled to decline to 85% <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/117th-congress\/house-bill\/1319\/text\">in 2026<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><amp-img width=\"780\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708-1024x683.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Rep. Steve Harshman speaks during a Medicaid Expansion rally besides people holding signs in support of expansion\" class=\"wp-image-86897 amp-wp-enforced-sizes i-amphtml-layout-intrinsic i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" layout=\"intrinsic\" disable-inline-width=\"\" i-amphtml-layout=\"intrinsic\"><i-amphtml-sizer slot=\"i-amphtml-svc\" class=\"i-amphtml-sizer\"><img alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"i-amphtml-intrinsic-sizer\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyBoZWlnaHQ9IjUyMCIgd2lkdGg9Ijc4MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIiB2ZXJzaW9uPSIxLjEiLz4=\"\/><\/i-amphtml-sizer><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708-1024x683.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Rep. Steve Harshman speaks during a Medicaid Expansion rally besides people holding signs in support of expansion\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_9193-scaled-e1674850368708.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\"\/><\/noscript><\/amp-img><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rep. Steve Harshman speaks during a Medicaid Expansion rally in Cheyenne. (Tennessee Watson\/WyoFile)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Mental health is a big part of this because, for many, they cannot afford counseling without insurance. For those who end up in crisis, they go to places like a hospital emergency room or a psychiatric facility.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of the things I have noticed is the big difference any type of insurance may play in how I may use tools and psychopharmacologic medications and even therapeutic interventions,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=gPjPZLbEs9Y&amp;list=PLOhkcX5d91No8QiqW5_bV4cv-NmKO3DQs&amp;index=63\">testified<\/a> Jasper James Chen, a board certified psychiatrist who has worked with Healthy Wyoming and the Wyoming Medical Society. \u201cHaving any kind of insurance is very, very vital and important.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>About 19,000 Wyomingites are predicted to sign up for Medicaid in the first two years, according to a Wyoming Department of Health <a href=\"https:\/\/health.wyo.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WDH-WY-Medicaid-Expansion-Estimates-Jan-2022.pdf\">analysis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>During debate on the bill, lawmakers and members of the public raised concerns about the current inadequacy of Medicaid reimbursements \u2014 a problem facilities across the country are facing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If Montana is a lesson, though, Medicaid Expansion could still save Wyoming a substantial amount of money.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we\u2019re looking at any of the studies \u2026 it is obviously seen that the costs of Medicaid expansion are more than covered by the savings and revenues that come to the state,\u201d Montana State Rep. Ed Buttrey said during his testimony to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=gPjPZLbEs9Y&amp;list=PLOhkcX5d91No8QiqW5_bV4cv-NmKO3DQs&amp;index=63\">the House Revenue Committee<\/a> via video conferencing. \u201cWe actually are estimating between 120 and 160% of the state\u2019s costs are recovered annually.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Buttrey added that since Montana expanded Medicaid in 2015, none of their rural critical access hospitals have closed, health of participants rose, access to substance abuse treatment increased and crimes among the expansion population decreased.<\/p>\n<p>The bill passed out of committee on a 6-3 vote, with opposition from Reps. John Bear (R-Gillette), Tony Locke (R-Casper) and Tomi Strock (R-Douglas) who want to limit federal government involvement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Counselor and Psychologist Compacts<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Lawmakers are looking to boost access to mental health care with two proposed compacts that would allow mental health providers licensed in other states to practice in Wyoming.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2023\/SF0010\">Senate File 10 \u2013 Licensed professional counselor compact<\/a> would allow licensed counselors from at least <a href=\"https:\/\/counselingcompact.org\/map\/\">16 other states<\/a> \u2014 including Colorado and Utah \u2014 to practice in Wyoming, in person or via telehealth.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2023\/SF0026\">Senate File 26 \u2013 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact<\/a> would allow licensed psychologists from <a href=\"https:\/\/psypact.org\/page\/psypactmap\">32 states<\/a> and the District of Columbia to practice in Wyoming. That includes Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Nebraska.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The compacts are different, but have the same overall aim: provide more access to mental health care for patients and flexibility for providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>During an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ORd8TGtpqhc\">interim committee meeting<\/a> in October, Legislative Service Office staff noted that the proposed compacts are similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2016\/HB0055\">others<\/a> the state has signed onto, and include many of the same issues. The language, however, is hard to change because other states signed onto the compact as written.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>During the interim former Rep. Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) asked whether the state has run into \u201cany problems with the ones we\u2019ve already passed?\u201d LSO staff said no.<\/p>\n<p>Months later, in a Jan. 16 meeting, members of the Senate Labor, Health &amp; Social Services committee\u00a0 raised fresh concerns. Sen. Lynn Hutchings (R-Cheyenne), for example, questioned how more liberal professionals from other states might affect the minds of Wyomingites. Hutchings was also concerned about difficulty exiting the agreement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><amp-img width=\"780\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sen. Lynn Hutchings sits at a desk\" class=\"wp-image-86917 amp-wp-enforced-sizes i-amphtml-layout-intrinsic i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?w=2340&amp;ssl=1 2340w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" layout=\"intrinsic\" disable-inline-width=\"\" i-amphtml-layout=\"intrinsic\"><i-amphtml-sizer slot=\"i-amphtml-svc\" class=\"i-amphtml-sizer\"><img alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"i-amphtml-intrinsic-sizer\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyBoZWlnaHQ9IjUyMCIgd2lkdGg9Ijc4MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIiB2ZXJzaW9uPSIxLjEiLz4=\"\/><\/i-amphtml-sizer><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sen. Lynn Hutchings sits at a desk\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1.11.23-Wyofile-Legislative-Session-24.jpg?w=2340&amp;ssl=1 2340w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\"\/><\/noscript><\/amp-img><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Lynn Hutchings (Megan Lee Johnson\/WyoFile)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe actually have to pass a law to get you out of this compact,\u201d Hutchings said. \u201cWe have to repeal this compact.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\t\t\t\t\t<amp-analytics class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t<\/amp-analytics><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>LSO has found that it would take months to fully leave the compacts.<\/p>\n<p>Both Simineo with the Wyoming Counseling Association and Hackman the psychologist have also heard concerns that compacts threaten Wyoming\u2019s sovereignty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s just not true,\u201d Hackman argues. \u201cThe feds aren\u2019t involved in this at all, this is an agreement between states \u2026 and it reduces regulatory barriers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For those practicing in the field right now, though, Hackman said they\u2019re most concerned about not having professionals around to help treat those in need. There are only about 130 licensed psychologists in the state, he added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t cover all the counties,\u201d he said. \u201cThere aren\u2019t enough providers and we need greater resources [for] our folks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Looking at the University of Wyoming, he said a lot of the students \u2014 especially the athletes \u2014 are not from the state. When they go home to other states, the compact could help them maintain continuous care with a provider from any state that\u2019s a member of the compact.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both bills have passed out of the Senate and crossed over to the House.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>School Mental Health Funds<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2023\/HB0034\">House Bill 34 \u2013 School finance-mental health services<\/a> provides a competitive grant program for school-based mental health services.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This comes in the wake of Gov. Mark Gordon\u2019s Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education Advisory Group <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/govs-education-panel-calls-for-self-paced-learning-mental-health-support\/\">report<\/a> that found mental health to be a primary concern.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was one of the things that the RIDE committee heard. Out of the 7,000 testimonies that we had was: mental health, mental health, mental health,\u201d said House Education Committee Chair David Northrup (R-Powell). \u201cEvery school district had that problem, and that\u2019s kinda of where this [bill] comes from.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If passed as written, it provides $11.5 million over two years for districts to apply for. It also has a cap of $120,000 per year, per district.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That breaks down to about $60,000 going to two schools per district each year, said Brian Farmer, director of the Wyoming School Boards Association.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It might be hard to find someone to work as a counselor for that price, and many districts have more than two schools, Farmer cautioned while testifying in favor of the bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis does something. In the absence of this, then we have nothing,\u201d he said in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cO5fRL54Wog&amp;list=PLOhkcX5d91No8QiqW5_bV4cv-NmKO3DQs&amp;index=64\">Jan. 18 House Education Committee hearing<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Landon Brown (R-Cheyenne) stated in the meeting that he got hundreds of emails opposing this bill, largely from one party.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\">\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cIt is my belief that it\u2019s the prerogative of the Legislature to identify the needs of the state and to fund the needs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><cite>Brian Farmer, director of the Wyoming School Boards Association<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m just going to say it: The Republican party is against this particular bill because they feel that our school districts are too highly funded as is and they should find the money within their own school district budget to provide these mental health services,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Brown defied many in his party, voting in favor of HB 34, but he asked Farmer to clarify why he felt this additional funding was needed.<\/p>\n<p>Farmer responded that mental health needs are largely outside <a href=\"https:\/\/wyoleg.gov\/InterimCommittee\/2020\/SSR-2020122102-03_20201201_PicusOdden2020RecalibrationReportFinal.pdf\">the formula<\/a> used to determine the cost of operating schools.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo for me, this is an additional priority,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is my belief that it\u2019s the prerogative of the Legislature to identify the needs of the state and to fund the needs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Wyoming Prevention Action Alliance also supported the bill. That organization operates under the umbrella of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Rhea Parsons testified on the group\u2019s behalf, but also from the perspective of a mom.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have two sons that are about to turn 23 and 24,\u201d she said. \u201cI have raised them here in Wyoming. And they both lost at least one peer to suicide every year from 7th grade through their senior year of high school as well as into college.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The bill passed the House on a 35-26 and is now before the Senate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Postpartum Medicaid<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Before 2020, many new mothers faced a healthcare cliff: They were kicked off of postpartum Medicaid 60 days after giving birth if they made too much money to qualify for regular Medicaid.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>About 70% of new Wyoming moms who were Medicaid recipients lost their coverage after those two months, according to the Wyoming Legislative Service Office.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Maternal health outcomes are tied to access to mental health care. The nation\u2019s increasing maternal mortality rate is partially driven by the preventable suicide and overdose deaths of those who lost coverage, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynocolegists <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/advocacy\/policy-priorities\/extend-postpartum-medicaid-coverage\">has found<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In January 2020, the federal government gave more Medicaid funds to states with the understanding that nobody would be kicked off the insurance, including new moms. That remains the case as long as public health emergency declarations remain. Those were recently extended <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2023\/01\/11\/biden-extends-covid-public-health-emergency-as-omicron-xbbpoint1point5-spreads.html\">until April<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>States started seeing improved health outcomes based on the change, and with a little help from the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal government made it easier for states to extend postpartum coverage to 12 months.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So far, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/medicaid\/issue-brief\/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-extension-tracker\/#note-0-4\">34 states and the District of Columbia <\/a>have signed on to extend their postpartum Medicaid the full year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyoleg.gov\/Legislation\/2023\/HB0004\">House Bill 4 \u2013 Medicaid twelve month postpartum coverage<\/a> would extend that coverage in Wyoming too.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Proponents of the extension <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/lawmakers-mull-postpartum-medicaid-coverage-expansion\/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAic6eBhCoARIsANlox85Ud8sqvsvV92JXURBXduCB-YDCwN2kizOrxRcodlmsLhrMH6gu2XYaAn1QEALw_wcB\">have noted<\/a> that challenges like postpartum depression and substance use disorders linger beyond two months. It can also be hard for new mothers to find health providers or new insurance in 60 days.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Those proponents include Gov. Mark Gordon, the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne, the Northern Arapaho Business Council, the Wyoming Women\u2019s Foundation and several medical associations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As WyoFile has <a href=\"https:\/\/wyofile.com\/postpartum-medicaid-extension-bill-inches-forward\/\">previously reported<\/a>, HB 4 narrowly passed out of the committee 5-4.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The main arguments against the bill included limited OBGYN providers in the state and that it\u2019s not the role of government to provide this coverage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhenever an individual cedes responsibility, they cede liberty,\u201d Rep. Ken Pendergraft (R-Sheridan) said on Jan. 13.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The measure passed out of the House Appropriations Committee unanimously almost two weeks ago, but has yet to receive a first reading on the House floor. The bill will die if it\u2019s not read in by Feb. 6.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4><strong>No one thing\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Back in the House Education Committee on Jan. 18, lawmakers asked where the state is headed with treating mental health. One answer was there\u2019s no single solution.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s changing the societal views towards mental health. It\u2019s identifying stigma and recognizing that [mental illness is] a condition. It\u2019s not something that someone chooses or a weakness inside of someone,\u201d said Sheila Bush with the Wyoming Medical Society and the Wyoming chapter of the American Psychiatric Association.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just think we have a lot of conversation[s] to have. We\u2019re moving the needle, we\u2019re doing it slowly.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile amp-wp-ab4a792\" data-amp-original-style=\"grid-template-columns:33% auto\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><amp-img width=\"780\" height=\"561\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=780%2C561&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86915 size-full amp-wp-enforced-sizes i-amphtml-layout-intrinsic i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=1024%2C736&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=300%2C216&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=768%2C552&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=400%2C287&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?w=1194&amp;ssl=1 1194w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" layout=\"intrinsic\" disable-inline-width=\"\" i-amphtml-layout=\"intrinsic\"><i-amphtml-sizer slot=\"i-amphtml-svc\" class=\"i-amphtml-sizer\"><img alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"i-amphtml-intrinsic-sizer\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyBoZWlnaHQ9IjU2MSIgd2lkdGg9Ijc4MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIiB2ZXJzaW9uPSIxLjEiLz4=\"\/><\/i-amphtml-sizer><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"780\" height=\"561\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=780%2C561&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=1024%2C736&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=300%2C216&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=768%2C552&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?resize=400%2C287&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wyofile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Screen-Shot-2023-01-27-at-5.16.50-PM.png?w=1194&amp;ssl=1 1194w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\"\/><\/noscript><\/amp-img><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/__i\/rss\/rd\/articles\/CBMiRmh0dHBzOi8vd3lvZmlsZS5jb20vbWVudGFsLWhlYWx0aC1iaWxscy1hYm91bmQtYXQtd3lvbWluZy1sZWdpc2xhdHVyZS_SAQA?oc=5\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s a banner year for mental health bills in the Wyoming Legislature. There are around 20 measures that at least touch on the topic, according to Andi Summerville, executive director of the Wyoming Association of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s great to see mental health as such a prominent topic,\u201d she said. \u201cThat &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[161],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48060"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48060"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48060\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/multisite-test\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}