CALL TO ACTION: Protect Michigan’s Public Mental Health System

Say NO to Boilerplate 298(e) Budget Language
(e) That selected Medicaid health plans be allowed to contract directly with a service
provider in an effort to achieve the contract requirements with this state for managing
the physical and behavioral health of Medicaid eligible individuals within the pilot
region. The pilots described in this subsection shall not in any way mandate an
exclusive arrangement between contracted Medicaid health plans and CMHSPs. Any
NCQA function presently maintained by a contracted Medicaid health plans shall remain
the responsibility of the health plan for the purposes of this pilot regardless of their
contractual arrangements with any CMHSP, and contracts between this state and the
PIHPs shall be amended to allow for relief of CMHSPs from existing contractual
requirements as necessary.

Boilerplate 298 Background and Update:
● Original Boilerplate 298 budget language was introduced to Michigan residents in 2016.
The language called for public mental health funding to be given to for-profit, Medicaid
Health Plans (MHP).
● Fierce opposition to the proposal by advocates resulted in the language being changed
and the establishment of pilot projects.
● Boilerplate 298(e) language, proposed by Senators Shirkey and McGregor,
demonstrates a complete disregard for the voices and views of people who served on
Lt. Governor Calley’s 298 workgroup in 2016.
● Workgroup members were clear in their opinion that integration of physical and mental
healthcare be achieved without giving public funds to private, for-profit MHPs.
● The 298 workgroup process was fair and objective, and reflected the voices of
thousands of people receiving services. Senators Shirkey and McGregor are ignoring
that process and those voices.
● Some legislators advocated for MDHHS to allow MHPs to apply for the Pilot project.
● MDHHS made the decision only public mental health Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans
(PIHPs) could apply because it was in the best interest of the system and people
receiving services. MPHs were not allowed to apply.
● Boilerplate 298(e) undermines the integrity of the pilots put in place by the Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

What Boilerplate 298(e) language will cost people:
● Person and family-centered planning
● Choice
● Independence
● Community inclusion
● The chance to advocate for quality public mental health services through public
comment and shared opinions.

What Michigan residents and Public Mental Health System advocates can do:
● Email, call, and write Michigan legislators. Choose from one of the messages below or
create your own. You can also share messages on legislators’ social media sites. Links
to contact information is provided below. This information is also on the State’s website.
○ Michigan’s residents say no to Boilerplate 298(e) language. It hurts people and
helps for-profit Medicaid Health Plans.
○ Mental and physical healthcare integration is being achieved without giving public
funds to for-profit, Medicaid Health Plans.
○ New Boilerplate 298 language presented by Senators Shirkey and McGregor
puts the financial gain of Medicaid Health Plans before the needs of people with
an intellectual/developmental disability, mental illness or substance use disorder.
○ Supporters of Michigan’s public mental health system will make their voices
heard at the polls.
○ Boilerplate 298(e) must be removed, not rewritten.
○ Developmental disability, mental health, and substance use services matter in
Michigan. Tell Senators Shirkey and McGregor “No” to 298(e).

● Call your local newspaper, radio, and television station. Tell them Boilerplate 298(e)
language puts Michigan’s public mental health system and the people it serves at risk,
and benefits private Medicaid Health Plans.
● Click Here for Legislator Contact Information:
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