A bill to make mental health care more accessible, regardless of income level, has been signed into state law. The bill, introduced by State Representative Mary Whiteford, a Casco Township Republican, was signed into law this week and takes immediate effect.
The law requires department and community mental health services programs to determine the ability to pay in accordance with the federal sliding fee discount program. The program applies to inpatient psychiatric services of less than 61 days, all non-residential services, and all services to minors. The federal poverty guidelines would be used to determine eligibility in the “sliding fee” program.
Whiteford said, “As I listen to community mental health organizations around the state, I’ve learned how important it is to hire and retain mental health professionals. HB 5165 will truly help our communities.”
Upon signing the bipartisan legislation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “To get more Michiganders the help they need, we need to tackle the two primary challenges around mental health: cost and supply.”
Whitmer said the new law will ensure Michiganders in more communities have access to the support they need to thrive.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
