LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Division of Well being and Human Companies (MDHHS), criticized the GOP-approved funds as impacting the division’s potential to “protect the health, safety and prosperity of Michigan families.”
The proposed funds, which cuts $4.95 billion from MDHHS, would remove greater than 1,600 positions, together with youngster protecting providers employees, meals help and well being advantages specialists, and illness specialists.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, offered by the Michigan Workplace of the Governor: Elizabeth Hertel, director of the state well being division addresses the state. (Michigan Workplace of the Governor by way of AP, File)
Home Republicans authorised a $78.5 billion funds in August, a stark distinction from the $84.6 billion funds Senate Democrats authorised in Could. The distinction between the 2 is $6.1 billion.
A line merchandise for Medicaid and behavioral well being was slashed by 13% over the present 12 months. A public well being line merchandise for the division can be lower by greater than 7.5%. A line merchandise for human providers can be slashed by practically 15%.
Hertel stated these cuts would result in program losses throughout the state, together with $20 million in grownup dental protection, $10 million in maternal care enhancements, $7 million for the Workplace of Group Violence, and $4 million to deal with homelessness.
The proposed funds additionally cuts $6.8 million from state psychiatric hospitals.
“This would affect vital behavioral health services and reduce the number of patients the state can care for at its hospitals, further increasing wait times and impeding progress addressing the behavioral health crisis facing the state,” Hertel stated in a information launch.
Gov. Whitmer warns of financial impression from federal tariffs
MDHHS is urging state legislators to proceed funding to the division’s funds as a way to “serve Michigan families.”
The deadline for the state funds to keep away from a authorities shutdown is Sept. 30.
