Poll: Michigan voters oppose privatization of MH services

Abstract

A majority of voters are opposed to the privatization of mental health services in Michigan, according to a recent poll commissioned by the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, the Huron Daily Tribune reported March 15. According to the results of the poll, 67% of voters prefer the public mental health system managed by public entities who specialized in mental health care versus turning the system over to private, for‐profit companies. Last year, Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey introduced Senate Bills 597 and 598, which would privatize all Medicaid mental health services by giving financial control and oversight to for‐profit insurance companies, a news release from Community Mental Health for Central Michigan (CMHCM). The EPIC‐MRA polling shows two out of three Michigan voters would not support that change. The poll was conducted in January among active and likely November 2022 general election voters. The poll found that 76% of voters are concerned that private, for‐profit health plans do not have a good track record in treating mental health needs and will make matters worse. In addition, 73% are concerned that the overhead costs and profits private insurance companies take out of the taxpayer‐funded Medicaid system will lead to fewer mental health services. Nearly four times as many voters are less likely to support their legislator if he/she supports privatization of mental health services for Medicaid patients than those who are likely to support that legislator, according to the poll. Fifty‐four percent think Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should veto the legislation if it comes to her desk. The CMHCM news release said that for the past 50 years, the mental health system in Michigan has been run and operated by county‐based government entities to serve Michiganders with complex mental health, emotional disturbance, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Each year, more than 325,000 Michiganders receive their services and care from the Michigan public mental health care system.