Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, along with Representatives Lizzie Fletcher, Steven Horsford, and August Pfluger, has introduced the Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act, aimed at improving mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries. The legislation intends to increase reimbursement rates for primary care providers over a three-year period to encourage the integration of mental health services into primary care.

Malliotakis emphasized the urgent need for improved mental health access, stating, "Improving access to quality mental healthcare is essential, I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside my colleagues to incentivize doctors to offer mental health services under Medicare."

Representative Fletcher stressed the importance of expanding mental health care access, saying, “Expanding mental health care access is one of the most important things we can do to improve and save lives of people struggling with mental health issues.” Pfluger, a co-leader of the COMPLETE Care Act, explained, "This isn't just about expanding services—it's about transforming how we deliver care to treat the whole person, removing stigma, and ensuring every American can receive the comprehensive support they need, when they need it."

Horsford noted the crucial aspect of making mental health care accessible, "Mental health care is health care – it should be as accessible as possible for Nevadans and the American people." Mike Carey added, "Mental health care, especially helping those dealing with drug addiction, is an important facet of the overall health care infrastructure, and expanding access to it through Medicare is an important effort."

Medical professionals have shown support for the legislation. APA CEO Marketa M. Wills acknowledged the benefits of the integration, stating, "APA thanks Rep. Malliotakis for introducing the COMPLETE Care Act... to enhance the Collaborative Care Model." Andy Keller, president of Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, highlighted the broader impact: "America is facing an unprecedented behavioral health crisis... this bipartisan, common sense legislation will do exactly that."

The initiative aims to improve early identification and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, contributing to a more comprehensive and integrated health care model for seniors.