Michigan residents deserve access to comprehensive and quality mental health care. However, our state currently offers a Medicaid reimbursement rate of just $64.48 for 60-minute therapy sessions, placing Michigan among the bottom 10 in the U.S. for such rates. For perspective, neighboring Midwest states offer significantly higher reimbursement rates: Illinois at $133.03, Ohio at $102.31, Indiana at $100.60, and Wisconsin at $113.43. Such discrepancies have clear implications. Low rates in Michigan disincentivize providers from accepting Medicaid patients, thereby limiting accessibility for those most in need. With most of Michigan being a federally recognized Mental Health Provider Shortage Area, this disparity exacerbates existing challenges. It's time for a change.

Why This Is Important:

1. Accessibility to Care: Low rates result in fewer providers accepting Medicaid. This limitation affects thousands of Michigan residents, particularly the most vulnerable among us, hindering their access to crucial mental health services.
2. Quality of Care: Adequate reimbursement is essential to ensure that trained, experienced professionals can continue to provide their services in Michigan. We risk losing talented professionals to neighboring states with better rates.
3. Mental Health Matters: With the ongoing societal pressures and the aftermath of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health services are more vital than ever. Our community's well-being is at stake.
4. Economic Impact: Adequate mental health services lead to a healthier, more productive community, which in turn can drive economic growth and reduce other societal costs.
   

What We are Asking:

1. Re-evaluate & Increase: Reassess the current Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services, particularly the rate for 60-minute therapy sessions, and raise them to be competitive with neighboring states.
2. Transparency: Provide clear rationale for the rates set and be open to feedback from healthcare providers and the general public.
3. Regular Reviews: Implement regular reviews of the Medicaid reimbursement rates to ensure they remain competitive and in line with the cost of living and inflation.

How You Can Help:

1. Sign & Share: Every signature matters. After signing, share this petition with your friends, family, and networks.
2. Contact Your Representatives: Write, call, or email your the State of Michigan Behavioral Health Subcommittee. Let them know you support raising the Medicaid reimbursement rates in Michigan. Here is a link to letter template 

• Rep. Felicia Brabec (Democrat) CHAIR District-33 FeliciaBrabec@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Noah Arbit (Democrat) MAJORITY VICE CHAIR District-20  NoahArbit@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (Republican) MINORITY VICE CHAIR District-46 KathySchmaltz@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (Democrat) District-17 lauriepohutsky@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Carol Glanville (Democrat) District-84 caglanville@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Kimberly Edwards (Democrat) District-12 KimberlyEdwards@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Sharon MacDonell (Democrat) District-56 SharonMacDonell@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Carrie Rheingans (Democrat) District-47 CarrieRheingans@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Mike Hoadley (Republican) District-99 MikeHoadley@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (Republican) District-62 AliciaStGermaine@house.mi.gov

• Rep. Jamie Thompson (Republican) District-28 JamieThompson@house.mi.gov