Methadone, Mental Health Budget Initiatives Receive Public Hearing in AFA/ HHS (Pt 1)

(Via press release) Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew will testify Thursday at 1:00 PM before the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee in support of the initiative in Governor Paul LePage's budget proposal to eliminate MaineCare (Medicaid) coverage for methadone clinics. "With Suboxone comes a safer alternative that is less prone to abuse and allows for integrated physical and behavioral health care with better outcomes," said Commissioner Mayhew. "Suboxone treatment is shorter term, just as effective, and geared toward full recovery and helping patients live a productive and healthy life without medication." Under the proposal, methadone maintenance treatment would still be available, but would not be taxpayer-subsidized. The out-of-pocket cost for treatment in a methadone clinic is approximately $90 per week. Also receiving its public hearing today is the LePage Administration's proposal to increase DHHS's budget for mental health services by $14 million to fully satisfy the requirements of the Consent Decree and increase funding to the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). Increased funding for important new safety and clinical initiatives at Riverview Psychiatric Recovery Center are also being taken up. "This Administration is committed to ensuring that Maine's neediest citizens have the resources they need to live safe, happy, and healthy lives, and this budget reflects a fundamental reprioritization in favor of the mentally ill and other vulnerable Mainers," added Commissioner Mayhew.