Breaking the Barriers: How Maine’s Inaction on Mental Health Funding is Costing Lives

In a recent editorial, it was highlighted how Maine lawmakers’ failure to act on a red flag law has resulted in lost lives. Additionally, the state has once again opted not to apply for a waiver to lift outdated federal restrictions on the use of Medicaid funds for mental health services. If we had secured this waiver, similar to what we did for substance abuse treatment, we would have access to federal funds that could help save lives.

Last year, Senator Joe Baldacci’s LD 445 passed both the House and Senate and was a top priority of the Health and Human Services Committee. However, despite its passing, it was never funded. By investing $1.3 million in state funds, Maine could have received millions in federal dollars to develop and expand progressive treatment programs and other services. It is essential to prioritize treatment before tragedy rather than waiting for tragedy before seeking treatment. The lack of action by Maine on this issue is shortsighted and discriminatory, and it has already cost lives and will continue to do so.

The federal Institute for Mental Diseases exclusion law, established in 1965, is a national security crisis as it denies federal funds for essential mental health services. Maine takes pride in leading the way but cannot do so without state-level action. Therefore, it is crucial to urge Maine’s congressional delegation to collectively support a bill that ends this discrimination nationwide. Since Maine was unable to fund a waiver bill, there is an urgent need for action from the congressional delegation to help Mainers and others across the country receive the necessary care they deserve. Joe Pickering Jr., Chair of the Truth Tear Down this Wall Committee in Bangor, has raised awareness on this critical issue and called upon Congressional leaders to take immediate action.