Nebraska mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'
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Nebraska mental health professionals worry the Trump administration's proposed $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts would threaten progress the state has made in providing help to those who need it.
The reductions could have a dramatic impact on the 345,000 Nebraskans who rely on Medicaid as their only source of health insurance.
Aileen Brady, president and CEO of Omaha-based Community Alliance, said Nebraska has had recent success in getting higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, and has expanded services.
She added that cuts would hurt people who need help the most - those struggling with mental health problems, people with disabilities, and kids.
"Nearly half of Medicaid enrollees in Nebraska are under the age of 20," said Brady, "and I think people need to understand that impact it'll have on our children in Nebraska - and that means our future in Nebraska."
A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 50 percent of American adults will need treatment for a mental health issue during their lifetime.
Brady said such steep cuts at the federal level would require dramatic cuts in services to Nebraskans, especially when considering the degree to which the state relies on the federal money.
"Fifty-eight percent of every dollar is a federal dollar, 42 percent of those dollars are state dollars," said Brady. "If those cuts would come into play, that $880 billion over a period of time, that's going to create a fundamental shift in how services are delivered - the shift of cost to the states - or it's going to result in a significant cut."
The Trump administration is following through on a campaign promise to cut federal spending across the board.
