Idaho's Mental Health Budget Cuts: A Risky Gamble?

Idaho's recent decision to cut mental health services is causing quite a stir. The state's top Medicaid official isn't even sure if these cuts will save money in the long run. But with a budget shortfall looming, Governor Brad Little ordered cuts across the board. The mental health services were on the chopping block to avoid even worse budget problems. The cuts are hitting specialized mobile teams that help people with severe mental illness. If a court forces the state to pause these cuts, other services might have to go instead. That could mean less funding for psychiatric hospitals, crisis centers, and other important programs. Even with the cuts, the state's Medicaid deputy director, Sasha O'Connell, isn't sure these changes can be avoided. The cuts have already taken effect, and mental health providers and sheriffs are worried about public safety. Idaho Senator Julie VanOrden is looking into ways to restore funding, maybe even using money from lawsuits against tobacco and opioid manufacturers. But other funding options are slim, and she's not sure if the Legislature will tap into the state's rainy day fund. Before the Legislature reconvenes, a panel of lawmakers met with Medicaid providers to get their feedback on the state's shift to private companies running Medicaid benefits. But Senator Kevin Cook wanted more details on the mental health cuts. It turns out, the state doesn't have data to show that the cuts will save money long term. Cook wasn't happy about that.When providers spoke about the cuts, Senator VanOrden cut them off. She said the meeting was about the state's shift to managed care, not the cuts. But providers like Ric Boyce, who directs Mental Health Specialists in Pocatello and Blackfoot, insisted on talking about the cuts. He said they have already highlighted the vulnerabilities of managed care. The day the cuts went into effect, Idaho Sheriffs' Association President Samuel Hulse warned the governor and state lawmakers that the cuts would risk public safety. He said the Legislature cut too deep and now they have a problem. Sheriffs run the jails, which he said are the default mental institutions of the nation. Without effective services, people end up in the justice system. Idaho Medicaid has few options for cuts, according to O'Connell. She said if the agency doesn't proceed with its plans for cuts, it must consider eliminating more optional Medicaid covered services. Heading into the next legislative session, VanOrden is worried about the state's budget situation. She's nervous about this year, but even more nervous about next year, when the budget deficit is projected to grow to more than a half billion dollars.