Harabedian Coverage Behavioral Health Visits

The Honorable Mia Bonta
Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: MHAC Support for Assembly 1032 (Harabedian)

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 1032 (Harabedian), legislation that will allow health plan enrollees to be reimbursed for up to 12 visits with a behavioral health provider if they reside in a county where a state of emergency has been declared due to wildfires.

MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy.

During moments of crisis, especially ones brought about from natural disasters such as wildfires, access to the proper support and services can be extremely difficult. The recent Los Angeles fires have displaced hundreds of thousands of people without proper access to critical mental health and substance use supports. The American Addiction Centers notes that natural disasters often lead to increased substance use.[1]

As displaced individuals attempt to access mental health and substance use supports and services, cost and insurance coverage should not prevent them from accessing care.

This bill ensures that individuals who experience a crisis due to a natural disaster, specifically wildfires, can receive critical care without the cost becoming a barrier to access. It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 1032 (Harabedian) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at hstrunk or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari.