Dear editor,

 AARP Wyoming, a wise friend and fierce defender for more than 80,000 Wyomingites aged 50 and over, wants to thank U.S. Sen. John Barrasso for sponsoring S.1378, the Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links To Expanded Tailored, and Effective Care (COMPLETE) Act.

The bill will temporarily increase Medicare reimbursement rates to cover start-up costs for providers who implement behavioral health integration (BHI) models to better coordinate both physical and mental health care for older adults. 

AARP has endorsed this legislation, as it believes BHI models, like the Community Care Model and Primary Care Behavioral Health Model, blend both physical and behavioral health care in one setting to better address medical conditions and related behavioral health factors that affect overall health and well-being. By providing patients with coordinated care in familiar settings, BHI models have been shown to improve access to mental health care, reduce wait times for treatment, and improve patient outcomes.  

Thank you, Barrasso, for your willingness to sponsor this important piece of legislation.

Sam Shumway

State Director AARP Wyoming