New Michigan Law Expands Mental Health Care Coverage, Reducing Financial Barriers to Treatment

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new bill into law that aims to address the financial burden of mental health and substance use treatments. According to Duane Breijak, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers Michigan, these treatments can be costly, with insurance coverage ranging from $60 to $200 per hour.

The bill expands coverage requirements for insurance providers in Michigan, prohibiting higher deductibles, copays, or out-of-pocket maximums for mental health care. There are also restrictions on the number and frequency of treatments that providers can impose. This change is significant as many individuals with mental health conditions do not receive treatment due to cost concerns, according to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

By normalizing mental health treatment within the healthcare system, this bill is expected to make it more accessible to those in need. The importance of mental health care was highlighted by Gov. Whitmer herself, who emphasized the need to treat it with the same level of importance as physical health.

This new bill will ensure that individuals can access the care they require without financial obstacles getting in the way. Overall, this change will make mental health treatments more affordable and accessible for those who need them most.