LTE: Medicaid provides needed mental health care for Montanans
While walking my dog around my neighborhood, I heard a commotion of loud ranting and cursing in a house at the end of the block. The house was on the alley and as I went by, the hollering continued. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I couldn’t ignore it. A man came out on the porch. I told him he sounded like he was in a lot of pain, and I asked him if I could be any help.
He was apologetic and admitted he was in pain and struggled with mental illness. With his permission, I phoned my nephew who works as a mental health counselor and I asked him who my neighbor could turn to for help. My nephew shared that in the short term, my neighbor can go to the hospital emergency department or the Community Crisis Center, but that’s about it. There are very few options for individuals who struggle with mental illness if they do not have health coverage.
However, in the long run, if he is eligible for Medicaid, then he can get the services of a mental health professional. That’s why I support Medicaid expansion in Montana. No one should be left alone and isolated to struggle through mental illness.
We figured out a solution in 2015 to help people get health care through the HELP Act. Our work should be focused on getting more people covered to improve the health of our neighbors and communities.
Daniel Struckman
Billings