Each week, we compile and share stories from the past week focused on behavioral health, SUD, social services, and nonprofits centered in Michigan but across the United States. If there are specific topics that interest you, please let us know. This newsletter's information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice or investment advice. At times we may use AI to summarize an article. If something shared needs to be corrected, is misrepresented, or there are gaps in information, please let us know so we can make the necessary corrections.
01
FY25 Budget Passes, including funding for the MDHHS
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel, and legislative leaders celebrated the passage of the FY2025 budget. Director Hertel highlighted $161.5 million for new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) to serve up to 35,000 additional individuals with behavioral health services. The budget also allocates $25 million for substance use disorder treatment and $8.3 million for Medicaid reimbursement for hospital-based SUD services provided by peer recovery specialists. "These investments continue to move our state in the right direction," Hertel stated, "by expanding behavioral health access and making a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors across the state."
02
“What’s Inside?”
Summary of Key Mental Health, Behavioral Health, SUD, and Foster Care Items in DHHS Budget
The FY25 DHHS budget includes significant investments in mental health, behavioral health, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and foster care:
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC): $161.5 million to establish new CCBHC sites across the state, providing behavioral health services to as many as 35,000 additional individuals.
Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund: $4 million in ongoing funding for peer recovery support services, plus $25 million in one-time funding, including $10 million for regional community mental health entities.
Medicaid Reimbursement Rates: $22.7 million to increase Medicaid behavioral health reimbursement rates and $17.2 million to increase autism behavioral technician hourly rates.
Direct Care Worker Wage Increase: $28.7 million investment for a 20-cent-per-hour raise, following a previous $3.20 increase since COVID-19.
Behavioral Health Crisis Line: $7.3 million to ensure individuals experiencing behavioral health crises have access to the Michigan Crisis and Access Line 24/7.
Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Program: $18.1 million to help new and expectant mothers receive necessary care and reduce racial disparities in infant and maternal mortality.
Family Independence Program: $37 million in new funding, including the first meaningful change to the FIP payment rate since 1990 and expanded supplemental payments to families with young children.
Federally Qualified Health Centers: $40 million to support these centers, providing crucial health services.
Foster Care Support: $30 million for child welfare caseloads, $17 million for foster care payments, and $1.5 million to increase the clothing allowance for foster care children by 40-50% and triple the holiday allowance.
Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Prevention: $2.5 million to expand efforts addressing tobacco use among Michigan’s adult and youth population.
ICYMI
As crisis rages, Michigan speeds up opioid spending in new budget. Bridge Magazine - 06/28/2024. By Ron French and Robin Erb - Michigan lawmakers have approved $48.2 million to fight the opioid epidemic, more than doubling the amount the state’s health department had planned to spend in the coming budget year.
Opinion | Tackle Michigan's opioid crisis with careful planning, not quick spending. Bridge Magazine - 06/28/2024. By Amy Dolinky — Opioid settlement funds have provided governments a historic ― and new ― opportunity to address the impacts of the opioid crisis and broader drug overdose crisis. However, Recent news coverage has centered too much on advocates criticizing local governments for the speed with which dollars are being spent.
Michigan lawmakers add $411M in pet projects to state budget. Bridge Magazine - 06/28/2024. LANSING — According to state fiscal agencies, the state budget approved early Thursday by Michigan’s Democratic-led Legislature includes more than $400 million in earmarks for individual projects in legislator districts.
Michigan’s $83B budget deal boosts housing, scraps Whitmer’s trash fee hike. Bridge Magazine - 06/28/2024. LANSING — Michigan’s Democratic-led Legislature worked through the night to approve an $82.5 billion state budget deal early Thursday morning, with a critical lawmaker hailing the plan as a win for “every Michigander.”
Statement from Michigan Association of Counties on FY25 revenue sharing, Michigan Association of Counties - 06/27/2024
Trending in Telehealth: June 4 - 10, 2024. McDermott Will & Emery's Trending in Telehealth highlights state legislative and regulatory developments that impact healthcare providers, telehealth, and digital health…
BONUS - What’s on your summer reading list?
The Aspen Ideas Conference ended this weekend, and the organizers shared their reading list for attendees, including a list of health-related books and a more general reading list.
EVENTS
CMHAM Fall Conference Traverse City, Oct 21-22
Upcoming Political Events
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