Maine’s Indifference Towards Mental Health: How State Lawmakers’ Inaction and Discrimination are Putting Lives at Risk

The failure of Maine lawmakers to act on the red flag law is a monumental failure that will cost lives. Additionally, our state’s refusal to fund a bid for a waiver to outdated federal restrictions on the use of Medicaid funds for mental health services is not only shortsighted but also discriminatory.

Maine prides itself on being at the forefront of progress, but in the absence of state-level action, it is crucial to urge Maine’s congressional delegation to collectively support a bill to end this discrimination nationwide. Last year, Sen. Joe Baldacci’s L.D. 445 passed both the House and Senate and was the top priority of the Health and Human Services Committee, but it was never funded due to lack of action by Maine.

If we were to secure this waiver, similar to what we did for substance abuse treatment, we would have access to federal funds to help save lives. 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 has already cost lives and will continue to do so if left unchecked.

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. This law has hindered progress in addressing mental health issues across the country and needs immediate change. It is time for Maine’s leaders to take action and prioritize mental health care for all citizens.