LANSING, Mich. — A new Michigan law is aiming to close “loopholes” to make sure mental health and substance abuse disorder patients get the care they need.
Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 27, a piece of legislation providing equal insurance coverage for both behavioral health and substance abuse disorder treatment, according to the governor’s office.
“Every person in Michigan deserves access to mental and physical health care,” Whitmer said. “Getting this done will ensure Michiganders get the care they need and close loopholes that have allowed providers to avoid covering these essential services. Let’s keep working together to help every Michigander get the help they need to get better.”
Tuesday’s passage continues Michigan’s historic investments in mental health services, which included expanding access to healthcare through recruiting and retainment of hundreds of mental health workers and the expansion of crisis stabilization programs, according to officials.
In addition, Gov. Whitmer signed a $328 million investment made within Michigan’s state budget for mental health and school safety, which secured $214 per student for on-campus mental health and school safety needs.
Another $300 million was also proposed to continue investments in student mental health, officials said.
“Mental health care is just as important as physical health care,” Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said. “In our role as a consumer protection agency, DIFS will continue to do everything within our power to ensure that Michiganders can get coverage for the mental and physical health treatments they need to stay healthy.”
“Physical and mental health go hand in hand, and both are important for living a happy, healthy life,” Rep. Mike Harris (R – Waterford), the Republican vice chair of the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee, added. “This law will guarantee that health insurance coverage includes mental health care, so Michiganders can access critical services and treatments. Protecting holistic care will support healthy bodies and healthy minds.”
In regard to substance abuse disorder, Michigan is set to receive $1.6 billion from multiple opioid settlements, with 50% going directly to municipalities and 50% going to the state, which could be distributed to communities through grants.
“Every county in this state has been affected,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said May 1. “Every group no matter what your race, or no matter what your demographic situation is, no matter where you fall economically. Everyone has been hit by this and so we were very aggressive about going after the manufacturers and distributors.”
Individuals seeking help in finding treatment for behavioral health or substance abuse disorder can find a list of resources from the State of Michigan online.