1. Increase Funding for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services

Federal and State Funding: Advocate for increased federal and state funding for mental health and substance use disorder services specifically targeted at older adults.
Grant Programs: Establish grant programs to support community-based organizations that provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment for older adults.

2. Improve Access to Mental Health Care

Medicare Coverage Expansion: Work to expand Medicare coverage to include a wider range of mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including counseling, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
Telehealth Services: Promote the use of tele-health services for mental health care to increase access, especially for older adults in rural or underserved areas.

3. Increase Awareness and Reduce Stigma

Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate older adults and their families about the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as the importance of seeking treatment.
Anti-Stigma Initiatives: Support initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders, making it easier for older adults to seek help without fear of judgment.

4. Enhance Screening and Early Intervention

Routine Screenings: Mandate routine mental health and substance use disorder screenings during medical check-ups for older adults to ensure early identification and intervention.
Training for Healthcare Providers: Provide training for healthcare providers on how to identify and address mental health and substance use disorders in older adults.

5. Expand Support Services

Integrated Care Models: Promote integrated care models that combine physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment to provide comprehensive care for older adults.
Support Groups and Peer Counseling: Fund and support the establishment of support groups and peer counseling programs for older adults dealing with mental health and substance use issues.

6. Address Social Determinants of Health

Social Isolation Programs: Create programs to address social isolation among older adults, which can contribute to mental health issues. This can include community centers, social activities, and volunteer programs.
Affordable Housing and Financial Support: Ensure access to affordable housing and financial support for older adults, as financial stress can exacerbate mental health and substance use issues.

Example Legislative Language

Here is a sample of legislative language that could be included in a bill to address these issues:

Increased Funding for Mental Health and Substance Use Services: “The Department of Health and Human Services shall allocate an additional [specific amount] annually to fund mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs specifically for older adults.”

Medicare Coverage Expansion: “Medicare coverage shall be expanded to include comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including counseling, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment, effective [specific date].”

Tele-health Services: “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shall promote and reimburse tele-health services for mental health and substance use disorder treatments for older adults, ensuring access in rural and under-served areas.”

Public Awareness and Anti-Stigma Campaigns: “The Department of Health and Human Services shall launch public awareness and anti-stigma campaigns focused on mental health and substance use disorders in older adults, with an initial investment of [specific amount].”

Routine Screenings and Provider Training: “Healthcare providers shall be mandated to conduct routine mental health and substance use disorder screenings during medical check-ups for older adults, and training programs shall be established to educate providers on identifying and treating these conditions.”

Support Services and Integrated Care Models: “Funding shall be provided to establish integrated care models and support groups that combine physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder treatments for older adults, with an annual appropriation of [specific amount].”

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: “Programs aimed at reducing social isolation and providing affordable housing and financial support for older adults shall be funded with an annual budget of [specific amount].”