Bill Overview
Title: Securing Facilities for Mental Health Services Act
Description: This bill expands access to federal mortgage insurance for hospitals to include mental health care facilities.
Sponsors: Rep. Emmer, Tom [R-MN-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals worldwide requiring or benefiting from improved mental health facilities
Estimated Size: 60000000
- The bill is designed to facilitate the expansion and improvement of mental health facilities by providing more financial security through federal mortgage insurance.
- Increased access to mental health facilities will potentially benefit individuals who require mental health services but currently lack adequate access.
- The target population will likely include current patients and those who might seek mental health services if facilities are improved or expanded.
- Global estimates of mental health disorder prevalence suggest a substantial number of people worldwide would be impacted by improved access to care.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to alleviate barriers presented by financing through federal mortgage insurance, which may potentially expand the number of mental health facilities, thereby improving mental health care accessibility for those in need.
- This financial assistance can help existing hospitals incorporate mental health services more sustainably, reaching those who might be underserved or untreated presently.
- Given the budget constraints, not all regions might benefit equally; the ones with the most pressing need or those able to match additional funding might see benefits more promptly.
- The interviews should capture a range of individuals from those directly impacted such as healthcare workers and patients, to rural and urban residents who may experience delayed impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Psychiatric Nurse (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see firsthand the difference expanded mental health facilities could make.
- There’s a huge demand for our services and long wait times are common.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've struggled to find a therapist with openings, and the sessions I've had are costly.
- An expansion of services could make a big difference for accessibility.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Rural Kansas)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Traveling for my grandson's needs is a big burden.
- New facilities nearby would drastically improve our situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
College Student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often wonder if similar services will be accessible once I leave college.
- Expanding services ensures continuity of care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Hospital Administrator (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could be the cornerstone of our expansion plans.
- We struggle to find feasible funding alternatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Therapist (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If facilities could expand, we would support more individuals.
- Clients face month-long waits which dissuades some from seeking help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Veteran (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to quicker care could significantly improve my mental health journey.
- Extended wait times have hindered my progress previously.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
High School Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Local help is mostly private and expensive.
- Improved access could offer options without placing pressure on my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
HR Manager (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more mental health facilities locally could enhance our employee wellness offerings.
- We are keen on supporting staffs' mental health needs proactively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to local, in-person services would greatly benefit my situation.
- Remote sessions aren't as comforting or effective for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $230000000 (Low: $180000000, High: $280000000)
Year 3: $265000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $310000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $330000000 (Low: $280000000, High: $380000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- The scale of implementation and utilization of the mortgage insurance program can directly affect the associated costs and savings.
- Potential inflationary pressures arising from increased federal spending and insurance claims must be considered.
- Improved accessibility and infrastructure could drive long-term economic benefits but may require upfront financial backing.