Proposed Medicaid Cuts Threaten Mental Health Services in Green Bay

Proposed cuts to Medicaid could jeopardize mental health and substance abuse services in Green Bay, Wisconsin. If these cuts occur, school-based mental health programs and dental care could also face reductions.

Experts warn that the elimination of Medicaid funding may limit access to critical mental health crisis services, counseling, and dental care in the area. The Wisconsin Medicaid Coalition and Foundations Health and Wholeness recently held a panel discussion to address potential impacts of the proposed bill, which aims to cut approximately $625 billion from the Medicaid program, affecting over 71 million low-income Americans. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office suggest that these reductions could leave at least 8.6 million individuals without health coverage by 2034.

In the Green Bay area, the Crisis Center at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin reported that over 56% of individuals utilizing their crisis services were enrolled in Medicaid. In 2024, the center conducted more than 3,500 risk assessments, indicating a high reliance on Medicaid among those seeking help. Jenny Younk, the center’s director, emphasized that if Medicaid funding is reduced, many individuals may lose access to preventive mental health care, leading to longer wait times for services or increased reliance on emergency rooms.

Younk also noted that a decrease in Medicaid reimbursement could force Family Services to cut staff and services. Currently, approximately 60% of the costs for crisis assessments are reimbursed by Medicaid, totaling over $256,000 in 2024. Without this funding, the organization may have to reduce its workforce by 25%.

Katie Rappel, clinical director at Family Services, pointed out that half of the patients receiving counseling are Medicaid beneficiaries. If reimbursement rates decline, fewer providers may accept Medicaid patients, further limiting treatment options for individuals in need of mental health and substance abuse care.

In schools, the impact of Medicaid cuts could be similarly detrimental. Lindsay Reckelberg, a social worker with the Denmark School District, highlighted that positions such as therapists, psychologists, and social workers could be eliminated as schools adjust to budget constraints. Additionally, dental services often provided to students through Medicaid might be reduced, leaving many children without essential care.

Overall, the proposed Medicaid cuts could create a healthcare crisis in the Green Bay area, limiting access to vital mental health and substance abuse services for those who rely on Medicaid for their care.