AUGUSTA, Maine - A mental health agency says proposed cutbacks to Maine's Medicaid reimbursement rates could adversely affect an estimated 30,000 people relying on organizations that serve mentally ill clients.
Officials with Community Health and Counseling Services tell the Portland Press Herald that a MaineCare reimbursement rate study was conducted earlier this month. Some services could see a 20 percent to 40 percent rate reduction.
Officials with a national mental health organization say the proposals would weaken mental health services.
A state health department spokeswoman says a final decision on reimbursement rates hasn't been made. The agency is gathering feedback.
Democratic Rep. Drew Gattine of Westbrook and co-chair of the health and human services committee, says they're recommending legislation to suspend changes to reimbursement rates for mental health services until April 2017.