Central Virginia community groups focused on mental health and addiction recovery are concerned that if Congress reduces Medicaid funding in the federal budget, many residents would lose access to care.
As Anastasiia Carrier reports, many states, including Virginia, opted in 2019 to expand Medicaid coverage to more adults under the Affordable Care Act. Nonprofits and community service boards have said that the expanded access was instrumental in fighting addiction, and it has contributed significantly to the reduction in overdose deaths in the state in recent years.
However, Virginia is one of several states that has a “trigger law” that would end coverage for many residents if Congress reduces Medicaid funding. Currently, the federal government covers 90% of costs for those who are enrolled through the Medicaid expansion — the other 10% is paid for through taxes on private hospitals, the Virginia-Pilot reports (subscription required). If the federal government reduces funding below 90%, the trigger law would cause anyone in the state receiving coverage under the Medicaid expansion to lose their coverage.
If Congress reduces Medicaid funding, many central Virginians could lose access to mental health and addiction recovery services
If more central Virginians lose access to Medicaid, nonprofits and community service boards also warn that it will add to the strain on systems that are already stretched to their limit, such as emergency rooms and state-run psychiatric facilities.
It’s unclear what the final budget bill will look like, but current discussions in Congress include reducing overall funding for Medicaid and potentially adding work requirements for many Medicaid recipients without children, according to NBC News.
“We have seen declines in overdose deaths. Now is not the time to go backwards,” Victor McKenzie Jr., executive director of the Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Virginia, told Ana.
Take Action
You can learn more about mental health resources in your community or how to advocate for better access to care in uncertain times during a virtual discussion tomorrow, May 21. The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, a network of organizations working to improve mental health and substance use outcomes in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson, is hosting the event.
“Investing in Wellness: A Community Dialogue on Mental Health,” will take place on Wednesday, May 21, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature a panel of local and state leaders, including State Sen. Creigh Deeds, and an open Q&A. The event is free to attend. Register here and find more information here.
Stay safe and take care of each other,
Akash Sinha, Managing Editor
