Congress Passes the 21st Century Cures Act, More Support for Maternal Mental Health

And more good news for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders…

The 21st Century Cures Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week has now gained approval from the Senate.  This legislation won bipartisan support and is considered to be “the most significant piece of mental health legislation since the 2008 law requiring equal insurance coverage for mental and physical health.”

As part of the Cures Act, the Congress passed the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act, which will provide federal grants to develop and maintain programs for screening and treatment of postpartum depression. This bill was introduced by Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-Mass) and Congressman Ryan Costello (R-PA).

While there is considerable uncertainty regarding health care with the upcoming change in administration, the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act signifies a greater emphasis on mental health issues in the United States.

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

For more information: 
Cures Act Gains Bipartisan Support That Eluded Obama Health Law (New York Times)

Mental Health Care Gets A Boost From 21st Century Cures Act (NPR)