The foundation of our behavioral health system of care is not sound. It has seen its cracks and instabilities grow during the pandemic. With an increased need for services and the inability to maintain a stable workforce due to outdated reimbursement rates and increasing minimum wages, we have seen a tremendous increase in waitlists and wait times, and increased emergency department usage. This is not sustainable.

The Governor’s change package, while it has exciting new services needed in the continuum of care, is missing some immediate investment in foundational services.

Please Invest in These Foundational Behavioral Health Services (Total ~ $20.5 M):

LD 496, An Act to Clear Waiting Lists and Ensure Timely Access to Mental Health Services for Maine Children would clear hundreds of kids off the wait lists for community-based treatment, and assure access to basic Outpatient Treatment for so many in need in the aftermath of the pandemic. FN = $6.6 Million.

LD 582, Resolve, To Support the Sustainability of Assertive Community Treatment and LD 1147, Resolve, To Enhance Access to Medication Management. These are needed investments in our communities for the most fundamental services for individuals struggling with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness. FN = $1.3 Million.

LD 1586, An Act to Strengthen Statewide Mental Health Peer Support, Crisis Intervention Mobile Response and Crisis Stabilization Unit Services. Due to gaps in our mental health crisis system, too often law enforcement is the only response available. FN = $4.4 Million

LD 1424, Resolve, To Change the Educational Requirements of Behavioral Health Professionals. This would align all BHPs with the same qualifications and training. FN = $600K.

LD 415, Resolve, Directing the DHHS To Increase MaineCare Reimbursement Rates for Targeted Case Management (TCM) Services. The amended version would expand access to TCM for all those on MaineCare receiving treatment for Substance Use Disorder. Studies show that those receiving these services to connect to community supports are more likely to sustain their recovery. FN = $6.6 Million.

LD 1135, An Act Regarding Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services would enhance and open up access to more SUD services which is critically needed as the Opioid Epidemic continues to take our loved ones. FN = $1.2 Million.