After what we have seen in Lansing this year, it is clear that actions by the Legislature, designed supposedly to "save money," will actually end up costing Michigan taxpayers significantly more. The time has come to change the current philosophy of "penny wise and pound foolish." The safety net is in shreds.
Case in point: The governor and state Legislature are seeking to repeal Public Act No. 248, a law passed in 2004 designed to protect those diagnosed with mental illness who receive Medicaid assistance. The act provides physicians with the necessary tools needed to find the most suitable medication for their patients.
If repealed, physicians will have to choose from a narrow list of older, cheaper, generic drugs and will be saddled with a complicated and time-consuming pre-authorization process that further erodes their ability to care for individuals.
Mental health experts across the state feel if access to medication is denied or even delayed patients may turn to self medication, such as illicit drugs or alcohol to ease their suffering.
Abuse of alcohol or drugs can lead to a rise in substance-related crimes including drunken driving, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect -- all making our state a less safe place to live.
Without open access to medication, there will be a spike in emergency room visits at a cost three to five times higher than a normal doctor's appointment, costing the state's Medicaid program far more than a prescription drug, a complete backfire of the current plan on the table in Lansing.
Medication, more than any other factor, keeps those diagnosed with mental illness functioning at their jobs, in school and as active members of society.
When denied access to their physicians and medication, patients are also more likely to appear in overburdened police departments, courtroom dockets, over-populated prisons and homeless shelters.
The Legislature believes it can save a reported $5 million by decreasing access to medicines. They ignore a 2008 study conducted by the National Alliance for Mental Illness-Ohio, which found that by trying to save money by denying access to medication legislators would actually cost taxpayers $23 million in social services and other state agency costs.
While the financial impact of repealing Public Act No. 248 can be measured, it is impossible to quantify the cost of human suffering for those wanting, yet denied resources to maintain a healthy life. Since the recession began, we are seeing an increase in activity for people dealing with the pressure of job loss, home foreclosures and lost health insurance. Now is not the time for politicians to take away access to medications. We simply can't afford it.
About the author: Sherri Solomon is the executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness-Michigan, a statewide advocacy, support and education organization for those diagnosed with mental illnesses and their family and friends.
About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.
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