Progress on Mental Health Policy to Improve Service Access and Quality for Older Adults: Recent Successes, Proposed Legislation, and Strategies for Sustainability.

This article provides an overview of the progress made in mental health policy to improve access and quality of services for older adults. It highlights the high prevalence of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among older adults, with only 40% receiving any services. The article discusses recent legislative successes, proposed administrative action, and legislation aimed at addressing barriers and ensuring accessibility and quality care for older adults. It also mentions the inclusion of licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists in Medicare coverage to increase workforce capacity. The article discusses changes to Medicare related to service delivery and payment, reauthorizations and funding increases for mental health and substance use disorder programs, and upcoming policy initiatives. The authors emphasize the importance of these changes and initiatives in improving access and quality of behavioral health services for older adults. [Extracted from the article]