Your elected officials need to hear directly from YOU so they can understand why restructuring behavioral health matters in your life.
What is the behavioral health system?
Michigan’s behavioral health care system provides health care coverage to approximately 300,000 Michiganders, including adults with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, individuals with substance-use disorder and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) contracts with Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries receive behavioral health care services and support. PIHPs are responsible for making sure people receive the behavioral health care services and support they need and managing the network of behavioral health care providers including Community Mental Health Service Providers (CMHSPs).
What are some current issues affecting the behavioral health system?
Several attempts have been made in recent years to restructure these contracts with PIHPs and CMHSPs. The most recent proposal would have restructured approximately $4.9 billion in Medicaid behavioral health funding and reduced PIHP regions from 10 to three. These changes had the potential to significantly change how care is managed. Changes without clear protections, transparency, or a commitment to person-centered care could lead to fragmented services, confusion, and inequitable outcomes across different regions of the state.
Why Your Voice Matters
Any efforts to restructure the behavioral health system must involve direct input from beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Any restructuring of the current PIHP and CMHSP system should attempt to consider the needs and interests of people with I/DD and others that rely on these supports and services.
Take Action: Educate Your Elected Officials
Act now to educate your elected officials about your experience with the behavioral health system! Here's how:
✍️ Use this form to write a message to their office.
📞 Call their district offices.
🏦 Attend a town hall or community event they are hosting.
📣 Encourage your friends, family members, and allies to contact their elected officials.
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
Lawmakers need to hear directly from people who have lived experience. By speaking up, you are making sure your legislators hear from people who are directly affected by the laws they vote on. Don't wait - take action today!