H.R.2509 - Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Care; COMPLETE Care Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2509, the COMPLETE Care Act, aims to improve behavioral health integration within primary care by amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill introduces financial incentives for healthcare providers who integrate behavioral health services into their practices. These incentives will be available from 2027 through 2029. The bill also mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance to primary care practices seeking to adopt behavioral health integration models.
Expected Effects
The COMPLETE Care Act is likely to increase access to behavioral health services within primary care settings. It will encourage more primary care practices to adopt integrated care models through financial incentives and technical support. This could lead to earlier detection and treatment of mental health conditions, improving overall patient outcomes.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to behavioral health services within primary care.
- Improved coordination between primary care physicians and behavioral health specialists.
- Enhanced patient outcomes through early detection and integrated treatment.
- Financial incentives for providers to adopt integrated care models.
- Technical assistance for practices implementing behavioral health integration.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs to Medicare due to the financial incentives.
- The effectiveness of the technical assistance program may vary.
- The focus on specific HCPCS codes might limit flexibility in adopting innovative approaches.
- The incentives are temporary (2027-2029), which may affect long-term sustainability.
- Possible administrative burden for providers to comply with the requirements for receiving incentives.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to provide for the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble of the US Constitution. Specifically, it relates to healthcare, which is a component of general welfare. The bill's amendment to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act aligns with Congress's authority to legislate on matters related to social security and healthcare programs. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).