FY2026 Annual Report

Annual Report FY2026 13 C CBHCs are an area where NJAMHAA has led efforts at both the state and federal levels. While we continue to advocate to the state to open up the process for CCBHC expansion now that New Jersey’s State Plan Amendment to include the model has been approved by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), NJAMHAA has also undertaken an ongoing effort to build on the many past wins at the federal level. A significant step was realized during FY2026 with the introduction of the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act in both the U.S. Senate and, more recently, in the House of Representatives. In 2024, CCBHCs were established as a permanent option for states under the Medicaid program. The current legislation will codify the Prospective Payment System (PPS) that is a fundamental component of the CCBHC model’s success as it fully supports the required staffing and infrastructure. NJAMHAA has advocated and will continue to advocate strongly for its passage, including regular alerts to members to add their voices to this effort! O ther major wins achieved with our relentless advocacy alerts, emails and participation in national and state efforts included the reinstatement of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) following the end of the October/November 2025 federal government shutdown and continuing through September 2026, and the passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. The SUPPORT Act gives the authority to fund many crucial programs, including the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program, for the next five years. In the area of federal regulations, ongoing significant actions NJAMHAA is undertaking are with regard to pending new rules and rescission of rules finalized by the prior Administration. The latter includes the Parity Enforcement rule issued in September 2024. A lawsuit was brought against the rule and the current Administration had until May 12th to decide whether to defend it. Instead, they asked for, and got, a pause in the lawsuit while they reconsider the rule with no enforcement in the meantime. NJAMHAA has submitted comments on the rule on several occasions and will continue to advocate strongly for improved parity enforcement at the state and federal levels. A north star for NJAMHAA for 75 years, parity for behavioral health care will always be a fundamental underlying tenet of NJAMHAA advocacy! I n addition to advocating for significant federal funding and legislation, NJAMHAA is constantly working at the federal level to impact regulatory rules. In FY2026, telehealth provisions continued to be a major focus of NJAMHAA’s advocacy as waivers established during the pandemic approached expiration dates. Our efforts met with several key successes. Most importantly, the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in February extended most COVID-era Medicare flexibilities through December 31, 2027. These included delaying the requirement for an in-person visit every six months for mental health services, continued acceptance of audio-only telehealth services and the extension of the ability for patients to receive care at any location. CCBHCs Telehealth Extensions More Federal Wins “ The association’s impact has been significant in advocating for all NJAMHAA agencies and for people who need mental health and addiction recovery support. NJAMHAA is a leading entity in the State of New Jersey that has helped move so many initiatives forward. ” Howard L. Haughton NJAMHAA Board Member Chief Executive Officer Eva’s Village, Inc.