Nebraska’s mental health system is on the verge of collapse. Private practice mental health providers, represented by Nebraska Mental Health Providers United, and their clients are being unfairly targeted by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), including Centene Corporation and Nebraska Total Care, through aggressive audits, massive clawbacks, and abrupt contract terminations. These actions are happening now, pushing providers to consider ending their Medicaid contracts and leaving Nebraska’s most vulnerable clients without access to critical care.

Despite Centene settling a $29.3 million overbilling claim, they continue to profit under a $4.25 billion Medicaid contract, while 15 providers have already been hit with nearly $400,000 in clawbacks. The audits are vague, inconsistent, and are singling out private practice providers, leading some to face terminated contracts and the possibility of withdrawing from Medicaid.

We have met with Nebraska lawmakers, DHHS CEO Steve Corsi, the state ombudsman, and DOJ officials. We have also contacted Governor Jim Pillen, but no action has been taken. The situation is escalating quickly, and if no steps are taken, clients could lose access to essential mental health services.

We urgently demand the following:

 1. Immediate investigation into the unfair auditing and clawback practices of MCOs like Centene and Nebraska Total Care.
 2. Clear, consistent guidelines for care documentation, allowing providers to correct minor errors.
 3. Accountability for MCOs exploiting Medicaid and forcing providers out of business.
 4. Protection for client access to mental health services by preventing the collapse of private practice providers across Nebraska.

This is a national crisis affecting not just Nebraska but providers and clients across the U.S. Without immediate action, providers may be forced to close, and clients will lose critical mental health care.

Sign this petition now to demand Nebraska’s leaders act before it’s too late.