Agenda - 12-04-2006-7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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i. Access to Health Care ~o health disorders when compared to many physical disorders, insurance companies continue to discriminate against persons with mental illness seeking treatment. Those uninsured, or on Medicaid, are dependent on the pubic mental health system in North Carolina. In March of 2000, in response to a call for reform of North Carolinas public mental health system, the Division of Mental Health, Developmental disabilities and Substance Abuse Services presented to a Legislative Study Committee some staggering estimates of deficits in the mental health system; based on epidemiological studies, waiting lists, and statewide surveys, 670,000 adults and children in North Carolina were in need of mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services estimated the at cost 2.5 billion dollars. Recent figures from Fiscal Research Division at the Legislature estimated that 598,780 adults and children in North Carolina have a serious mental illness and that 44% of those will seek help from the public. funded system due to their level of disability and lack of health coverage. Factoring in federal funding, state appropriations, and local funding, current fmancing of this system is estimated to serve only the most severely in need. Note that 250,000 people in North Carolina would be left with unmet mental health service needs and more than likely a large percentage of the 425,000 served would be left with out some of the needed services. In our current health care system the disabled population is dependent on institutions and government support. Those with mental illness are at high risk for homelessness and incarceration, and are less able to fulfill their potential. In light of research, best practices for mental health care, and the `Olmstead decision" that calls for care in the least restrictive setting, North Carolina has begun shifting from an institutional focus in providing care to providing care in community based settings. This shift requires not only a change in where services are provided but calls for services to be provided with an emphasis on supporting the needs and desires of consumers. A system in the process of reform requires not only the dedication of consumers and professionals to making the transition but the commitment of state appropriations to bridge the shift of dollars from the current institutional care to the development of needed supports and services in the community. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION... • Enact comprehensive mental health parity legislation in health coverage ending discriminatory difference between rr~ental and physical health care • Urge lawmakers to build on the recent increase in community-based mental health funding to ensure services to those in need. • Support polices and programs that connect primary care and mental health services. 2006-2007 Women's Draft Agenda 6