Moving Forward in 2012:
A new year calls for reflection and anticipation. Services for prevention, treatment, and recovery are essential to individuals, families, and our communities. Healthcare and parity legislation has opened doors to opportunities offering hope for improved services and cost-based reimbursements including appropriate salaries for our well-educated and skilled workforce.
Change also brings fears associated with transition and implementation. Much more advocacy is needed as states begin to develop their plans for Exchanges and Essential Benefits. We must be vigilant to ensure that the goals of the original legislation don't disappear in a flurry of regulations based on short-sighted budgets instead of overall savings to healthcare and the wellness of our citizens.