Michigan is on the brink of a significant transformation in healthcare, making a move that could set a powerful example for the rest of the country. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is set to sign Senate Bill 27 into law this Tuesday, a bold move that ensures insurance companies must cover mental health and medical care equally. This isn’t just another piece of legislation; it’s a groundbreaking step towards acknowledging that mental health is just as crucial as physical health.
Senate Bill 27 solidifies the requirement that insurers must provide the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as they do for medical benefits. This is particularly important given the uncertainty around federal protections in the current political climate. By embedding these protections in state law, Michigan ensures that its residents will continue to have access to comprehensive healthcare, regardless of potential changes at the federal level.
In Michigan 21% of Black and African Americans who had a mental health concern, only 39% of these individuals received mental health services. This is shocking when we compare this against the percentage of non-Hispanic whites (52%). The suicide rates of people of color continue to rise with Black Americans facing a 58% increase in suicide rates between 2011 and 2021 with suicide being the third leading cause of death for Black or African Americans between the ages 15 to 24 in 2020.
No treatment is defined as not receiving treatment at any location such as a hospital (inpatient or outpatient,) a rehabilitation facility (inpatient or outpatient), mental health center, emergency room, private doctor’s office, self-help group, prison or jail.
This important legislation toward parity in mental health care and treatment is inspired by the 2008 Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. This federal law has been vital in preventing insurance companies from imposing more restrictive rules on mental health and substance use disorder benefits than on medical benefits and promote consistency and access to quality care across Michigan.
“Senate Bill 27 aligns with Michigan’s mental health guidelines and current federal standards to promote consistency, access, and quality of care. The bill will ensure Michiganders have access to the mental health care they need and improve mental health outcomes in Michigan,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, the bill’s sponsor, during her testimony before the House committee in April.
The bill has received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the Senate with a 35-3 vote and the House with a 93-12 margin. This strong consensus underscores the shared recognition of the importance of mental health coverage, transcending political divides to prioritize the well-being of Michigan residents.
However, the journey towards comprehensive mental health coverage is not yet complete. A companion piece of legislation, House Bill 4707, remains stalled. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Felicia Brabec, D-Pittsfield Township, a clinical psychologist, seeks to mandate coverage for “medically necessary” mental health and addiction treatment. The bill addresses a critical gap in coverage to protect individuals from premature termination of services.
Rep. Brabec has been a vocal advocate for the bill, highlighting the dire need for expanded access to mental health and addiction services in Michigan. “Ambiguities in federal and state laws have too often caused uncertainty and have left people without coverage or recourse for clinically appropriate treatment,” she told the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee last June. Despite passing the committee, the bill has languished on the House floor for nearly a year without a vote.
Opposition to House Bill 4707, primarily from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Association of Health Plans, centers on concerns about increased insurance costs and the potential requirement to pay unlicensed sober houses. Additionally, there are apprehensions about prohibiting distinctions between in-network and out-of-network care. These concerns, while notable, must be weighed against the profound benefits of expanded mental health coverage for Michigan’s residents.
Governor Whitmer’s impending signature on Senate Bill 27 marks a significant victory, but the fight for comprehensive mental health care is far from over. Michigan stands at a crossroads, with the potential to lead the nation in ensuring equal coverage for all aspects of health. This legislative endeavor is more than a policy decision; it’s a declaration that the mental well-being of every resident is a priority, deserving of the same protection and care as physical health.
As Michigan moves forward, it is crucial to continue advocating for the passage of House Bill 4707, addressing the gaps that leave too many without essential care. The journey towards health equity is ongoing, but with every step, Michigan is setting a powerful example of commitment to the holistic well-being of its people.