ACA News

ACA Acknowledges the $4.25 Billion Designated for Mental Health Services in the Pandemic Relief Bill; More is Required

The funding is the largest amount mental health and substance use disorders has received in a single spending bill, indicating recognition of the mental health concerns caused by the pandemic.

Congress Finalizes New COVID-19 Relief Package

On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Congressional leaders announced that they have finalized an agreement on a package that provides both COVID-relief and full fiscal year (FY) 2021 funding for the 12 federal appropriations bills. Because the two-day ...

Historic Vote By Counseling Organization to Address Racism

Included in the comprehensive plan are projects that will look at systemic racism, create resources for counselors who work with law enforcement, develop materials for school counselors and more.

ACA Sends Letter to Biden Administration on Top Priorities

ACA has sent a letter to the Biden administration highlighting many of the key issues effecting the counseling community.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with updates. If you would like to become involved in ACA ...

Medicare Bill Sponsor Sends Letter of Support to Congressional Leaders

Representative Mike Thompson?s office was able to submit a letter to congressional leaders on ACA?s behalf, detailing the need for the inclusion of licensed professional counselors as Medicare providers.

ACA Sends H.R. 945 Support Letter to House Energy & Commerce

ACA sent a support letter to the House Energy & Commerce subcommittee on Health that details the need for the inclusion of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) as Medicare providers.

The Trump Administration Rescinded ICE Rule for International Students

The Trump administration has rescinded the ICE regulation that would have required international students to transfer or leave the country if their schools held classes entirely online as a result of the national health emergency.

ACA Urges HHS to Extend Public Health Emergency

ACA requested that HHS extend the COVID-19 public health emergency beyond its current July 25, 2020 expiration date.

Trump Administration Proposes to Expand Telehealth Benefits Permanently for Medicare Beneficiaries Beyond the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

CMS has proposed to permanently extend Medicare coverage of telebehavioral health services, as well as implement other flexibilities so that Medicare beneficiaries can receive convenient, high-quality care from the comfort of their home.

House Passes Important Mental Health Legislation

Though it remains to be seen whether the Senate will consider these measures, the House passed several mental health bills that are endorsed by ACA.

Congressional Report Reveals Americans? Mental Health is Worsening

More than 90 million Americans are reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression due to fears surrounding the coronavirus. ACA has been advocating for greater access to behavioral health services, particularly in rural communities.

President Trump Signs Law Designating 9-8-8 as Universal Number for National Suicide Hotline

President Trump signed a bipartisan bill into law that will make ?9-8-8? the universal telephone number to reach the national suicide prevention hotline, beginning in 2022.

Medicare Coverage for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

The SUPPORT Act was signed into law on October 2018. This landmark legislation includes critical provisions to increase and strengthen our workforce; standardize the delivery of addiction medicine; cover addiction medicine; and expand access to ...

Counselors Named Essential During National Emergencies

Counselors are among professionals on an essential services list to ensure communities continue to function during disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that affect health and safety as well as economic and national security.

ACA is Hard at Work on the Policy Front for You and for the Clients You Serve

Your ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team is hard at work for you and for your clients.

ACA Endorses COVID-19 Telehealth State Coverage Letter

ACA requested states to lift restrictions on telebehavioral health and ensure payment parity until the conclusion of the national COVID-19 emergency.

Rural LPC?s Provide Telebehavioral Health Services Under Medicare During Pandemic

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law, authorizing Rural and Federally Qualified Health Clinics to provide telebehavioral health services to Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 health emergency.

Expiration of COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration

On July 25th, 2020, the provisions supporting Licensed Professional Counselors within the National Emergency Declaration are set to expire. ACA is aware of our members? concerns, and has supported actions to request an extension to the national emergency.

House Energy & Commerce Committee Markup Information

The House Energy & Commerce Committee held a markup of 30 health-related bills. The Committee stated there will not be another markup until September.

Senate Democrats Introduce the Economic Justice Act

The proposed Economic Justice Act seeks to deliver ten financial investments over a period of five years to communities of color to support various initiatives such as child care, mental health, and job development.