Why Dickinson is Taking a Step Back on the Mental Health Services Overhaul: What It Means for Our Community

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson County Board is taking a closer look at plans to change how mental health services are managed in Michigan. Right now, the state has 10 regional Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) that oversee behavioral health funds. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to open these contracts to competitive bidding.

Mandy Padget, CEO of Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System, recently asked the board to pass a resolution against MDHHS’s proposal. She believes that switching to private management could lead to increased costs and decreased quality in mental health services. In fact, the Michigan Association of Counties notes that private health plans often spend around 15% of Medicaid funds on administrative costs, while public systems only use about 2%.

MDHHS argues that the competitive bidding process is necessary to improve service quality and efficiency. Their goal is to address challenges within the current system that impact accountability and service delivery.

NorthCare Network, which manages Northpointe, serves Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee counties. Its governing board represents five regional community mental health programs, all appointed by county boards. Padget’s resolution stresses the importance of local governance in ensuring timely and quality care for those in need.

County Board Chairman Dan Harrington expressed caution, pointing out that Michigan’s structure mirrors California’s, which raises concerns for him. With many states turning to privatized mental health care, it remains unclear if this shift has been successful, as Padget mentioned in her appeal to the board.

Research suggests mixed results for states that have privatized mental health services. A 2020 study showed that, in some cases, privatization can lead to lower quality care, particularly when profit motives overshadow patient needs. Public systems, with their focus on community and care accessibility, often find it easier to put patients first.

The board decided to postpone adopting any resolution until they conduct further research. Earlier this month, the Iron County Board took a stance against the MDHHS plan, reflecting growing concern over the proposed changes. MDHHS plans to issue a request for bids this summer, but details are still pending.

In times like these, community voices matter. Engaging local stakeholders, from patients to providers, can influence how these changes unfold. People’s experiences can shape better policies that truly meet their needs.

For more insights on mental health and its impacts on communities, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) resources [here](https://www.nami.org/Home). They offer valuable information on current trends and support systems in mental health care.

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Local News,Dickinson defers on objecting to mental health services shakeup