Peer Support Enhancement and Evaluation Review Act

Bill: 115-s-2892
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2018-05-22
Policy area: Health
Latest action: action_date: 2018-05-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Summaries:
action_date: 2018-05-22
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><b>Peer Support Enhancement and Evaluation Review Act</b></p> <p>This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the provision of peer support services by states under Medicaid. The report must include information relating to coverage (e.g., payment models), the effects of such coverage (e.g., on overall health care costs), and recommendations for improving access to peer support services under Medicaid.</p>

tv_txt: II 115th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2892 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 22, 2018 Mr. Cardin (for himself and Mr. Isakson ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on the provision of peer support services under the Medicaid program.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Peer Support Enhancement and Evaluation Review Act . 2. GAO report on peer support services under Medicaid (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the provision of peer support services under the Medicaid program. (b) Content of report (1) In general The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following information: (A) Information on State coverage of peer support services under Medicaid, including— (i) the mechanisms through which States may provide such coverage, including through existing statutory authority or through waivers; (ii) the populations to which States have provided such coverage; (iii) the payment models, including any alternative payment models, used by States to pay providers of such services; and (iv) where available, information on Federal and State spending under Medicaid for peer support services. (B) Information on selected State experiences in providing medical assistance for peer support services under State Medicaid plans and whether States measure the effects of providing such assistance with respect to— (i) improving access to behavioral health services; (ii) improving early detection, and preventing worsening, of behavioral health disorders; (iii) reducing chronic and comorbid conditions; and (iv) reducing overall health costs. (2) Recommendations The report required under subsection (a) shall include recommendations, including recommendations for such legislative and administrative actions related to improving services, including peer support services, and access to peer support services under Medicaid as the Comptroller General of the United States determines appropriate.