Maine Senate approves Sen. Baldacci bill to allow for additional federal funding for mental health services

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, the Senate voted in favor of a bill, LD 445, from Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, that would allow Maine to receive additional federal funding for mental health services.

“This legislation will greatly improve mental health services here in Maine,” said Sen. Baldacci. “This bill will waive a 58-year-old rule that limited funding for inpatient psychiatric treatment. Funding for inpatient treatment is just one part of the spectrum of services, but it is still necessary to save lives and help people.”

LD 445, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to Apply for a Waiver from the Federal Government for the Medicaid Limitation on Payment to a Facility with More Than 16 Inpatient Beds for Psychiatric Treatment,” would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal Medicare and Medicaid waiver for inpatient psychiatric care. The state would invest $3.2 million, and would receive $3.6 million in federal funds annually.

The bill faces further votes in the Senate and House.