Revamping Outdated Mental Health Policies in Colorado: A Necessity
TL/DR –
Colorado is grappling with crises related to mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness, which are being perpetuated by outdated policies. A particular policy in focus is a decades-old rule that prevents mental health hospitals from being reimbursed for Medicaid patients in their care for more than 15 days; this often results in patients being discharged before they are stabilized. Advocates argue that Colorado lawmakers should extend Medicaid coverage for mental health care and lift the 15-day cap, citing research from other states that shows promising results, including decreased emergency room use, lower hospital readmission rates, and a freed-up resource for community-based services.
Colorado’s Mental Health Crisis: The Role of Outdated Policies
Mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness have created an urgent crisis in Colorado. Many Coloradans are caught in a destructive cycle due to outdated policies and lack of effective support systems. The state’s mental health hospitals, currently struggling under a decades-old rule limiting Medicaid patient care to 15 days, are unable to fully meet the needs of patients, leading to a cycle of preventable tragedies.
Without prolonged care, many Coloradans end up in jails, ERs, homeless encampments, or crisis centers. Even when they receive competent mental health care, they often are discharged before they can stabilize due to the Medicaid reimbursement rule. This policy, enacted in 1965 to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, now results in vulnerable patients being discharged prematurely, leading to repeat admissions and substantial costs.
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According to a recent report from the Treatment Advocacy Center, Colorado has the third-longest waitlist in the US for mental health treatment access for jail inmates. This perpetuates the cycle of incarcerating individuals with untreated health needs, an approach that infringes upon their rights and societal values.
Colorado lawmakers are urged to extend Medicaid coverage for mental health care and lift the 15-day cap on Medicaid coverage. This change would improve patient health outcomes and break the cycle of inadequate care and rehospitalization.
Studies from states that have lifted the 15-day cap show promising results, including efficient resource allocation, decreased ER visits, and reduced hospital readmission rates. For example, Vermont reported an 8% readmission rate after implementing this policy.
Investing in adequate mental health care can decrease the burden on emergency services, jails, crisis response teams, and local homelessness responses. Such a commitment will address this critical issue that’s fracturing families and communities and will modernize Colorado’s Medicaid policies.
Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, advocates for public health and health equity. He has served on the Colorado Governor’s Behavioral Health Task Force and the Behavioral Health Transformational (ARPA) Task Force.
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