Kentuckians dealing with mental illness got a show of a support in the state Senate Wednesday. Legislation directing the State Cabinet for Health and Family Services to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver to serve those with severe mental illness got unanimous backing from a Senate panel.
Sheila Shuster is the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition Director. She said the Medicaid coverage would focus on a 24/7 residential supported option and employment. “They will need support. It’s not just having a roof over their head, although some of them need that as well. But, they need the trained staff and additional services that encourage them, monitor, and help them stay in the recovery process,” said Shuster.
Officials expect a hundred people to be served in the second year of the biennium. It’s estimated to cost around four and a half million dollars. Steve Shannon is with the Kentucky Association of Regional Programs. He said about $1.3 million in state costs would be offset in several ways. “Less ER visits. Not going to spend money there. The ER is not going to get smaller, but they’re not going to spend money. There’s not going to be people at the ER that don’t need to be at the ER. They’re going to be supervised. They’re going to have case management. So, they’re not going to go the ER unnecessarily,” said Shannon.
Shannon noted the plan could likely mean less involvement with law enforcement, fewer EMS calls, and fewer involuntary commitments. The bill heads to the full Senate.
