LANSING — Advocates are pushing back against a proposal that they say could result in parts of Michigan’s public mental health system being privatized.
The plan was put in motion by the Department of Health and Human Services, which began soliciting offers for the potential deal last month.
Former US Sen. Debbie Stabenow spoke against the proposal this week, saying that Michigan’s mental health system is in need of greater public investment — not being put up for private management.
“I know that they support mental health services, but they have the wrong solution,” said Stabenow, (D) Michigan. “Whether it’s mental health, addiction treatment, other behavioral health services — it is critical that we build on our strengths of a public accountable system.”
The state put out a request to contractors seeking offers to “manage” portions of the public support system, including behavioral health services and substance use disorder programs.
“I believe the state of Michigan is committed to providing quality mental health and other behavioral health care services,” Stabenow said. “I believe what they are proposing is wrong.”
A spokesperson for MDHHS says that the department’s plan is part of efforts to create “a more unified, transparent and balanced behavioral health system.”
The spokesperson added that the process “reflects significant structural changes designed to improve service quality, increase accountability and enhance administrative efficiency across the system.”
Stabenow says that she’s made Gov. Whitmer aware of her concerns and was unsure if the policy would go forward.
The department is also facing legal action over the proposal, with some state lawmakers arguing the change would need legislative approval.
The state will be accepting proposals until Oct. 13.