Rep. Royce Supports Better Mental Health Treatment and Patient Choice

7/6/2016, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) voted in support of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016, and H.R. 1270, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015. H.R. 2646 calls for the largest comprehensive overhaul of mental health wellness programs in recent history, while H.R. 1270 allows for the purchase of over-the counter medication with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

“Nearly 10 million Americans have serious mental illnesses, but millions are going without treatment as families struggle to find care for loved ones. Delivering evidence-based treatment is how we will finally conquer the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that those who need help receive it,” saidRep. Royce about H.R. 2646.

H.R. 2646 addresses the shortage of inpatient beds for psychiatric patients, provides for faster intervention for people with schizophrenia, creates a grant program for school services for children with emotional disturbances, reauthorizes a national suicide-prevention program and improves coordination between government agencies that serve the mentally ill.

“Californians using HSAs have faced higher costs and more red tape, when we should be encouraging more saving for healthcare. Patients know best what they need for their wellness and should be empowered to pursue these options,” said Rep. Royce about H.R. 1270.

H.R. 1270 restores the ability of plan participants to use the funds in their Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Account, or Archer MSA to purchase over-the-counter medications.

Rep. Royce cosponsored both bills, which passed the House with large bipartisan majorities.