Bill seeks federal safety net.

A congressional proposal would establish a network of federally qualified behavioral health centers to provide mental health and substance abuse services to low-income Americans. The Community Mental Health and Addictions Safety Net Equity Act (H.R. 5636) was introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.). It would reimburse the federally qualified centers through Medicaid. "Investing in mental health and addictions treatment can save our economy the many billions we now spend" on emergency department visits, incarceration, and lost productivity, said Rep. Matsui in a statement. The legislation is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, among other organizations.