Should Michigan Privatize Mental Health Care?
Some say yes; others say it could take away options for patients and ultimately cost more
Governor Rick Snyder’s proposed budget for community mental health services is proving to be quite controversial. The governor wants to put millions of dollars toward private insurance companies. The plan is receiving so much push back that it has led Lt. Governor Brian Calley to set up a work group that will consider alternatives to what the governor has outlined. Some mental health providers say using insurance companies to determine patient care could mean fewer options for patients and higher administration costs among others. But some say it’s an opportunity to revamp how mental health patients receive treatment. WDET’s Amy Miller spoke with President and CEO of Detroit Wayne Mental Health AuthorityTom Watkins about some of the details.
Click the audio player above to hear the entire conversation…