RESOURCES

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health for All

Community Mental Health Funding in Michigan

HISTORY

1963

Michigan's community mental health (CMH) services have a long-standing history rooted in legislative action. The system’s foundation dates back to Public Act (PA) 54 of 1963, known as the Michigan Community Mental Health Services Act, which was signed into law by Governor George Romney on April 29, 1963. PA 54 enabled counties to establish CMH boards in order to provide support for individuals with severe mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. This initiative marked a shift away from institutional care to community-based treatment.

1974

In 1974, PA 54 of 1963 was replaced by Michigan's Mental Health Code (PA 258), which formalized the current framework and allowed counties to create CMH agencies. These agencies became the cornerstone of Michigan's publicly funded mental health system.

1990s

During the mid-1990s, Michigan implemented managed care for Medicaid recipients and introduced a "carve-out" for behavioral health services through federally approved waivers. This led to the formation of Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), which manage Medicaid behavioral health care on a regional basis.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) contracts with 10 regional PIHPs to oversee Medicaid behavioral health services. These PIHPs allocate funds to CMHs based on the Medicaid-eligible population in their service areas. CMHs either provide direct care or subcontract with community providers to deliver services.

The structure is supported primarily through Medicaid funding, supplemented by state dollars. However, challenges persist:

FRAGMENTED SERVICE DELIVERY

ADMINISTRATIVE INEFFICIENCIES

ACCESS BARRIERS

The system's complexity often results in:

DISRUPTIONS

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UNCOORDINATED CARE

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IMPACTING BENEFICIARIES AND LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

WHY IT MATTERS

Despite its robust framework, Michigan's behavioral health system faces significant issues:

INCONSISTENT ACCESS POINTS

VULNERABILITY TO ADMINISTRATIVE DYSFUNCTION

Recent evaluations have highlighted deficiencies in service capacity and availability, indicating a need for systemic improvements to effectively meet community needs.

The historical and functional perspective detailed above underscores the importance of addressing the gaps in Michigan's community mental health funding and delivery system.

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Additional Resources

Here are links to board meetings, notes, and key contact information for Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) in Michigan. Use this map to find a PIHP near you.

PHIP Contacts

  • Pathways CMH (Alger, Delta, Luce, Marquette)

  • Copper Country CMH (Baraga, Houghton, Keewanaw, Ontonagon)

  • Hiawatha CMH (Chippewa, Mackinac, Schoolcraft)

  • Northpointe CMH (Menominee, Dickinson, Iron)

  • Gogebic CMH

REGION 1

  • AuSable CMH (Oscoda, Ogemaw, Iosco)

  • Manistee-Benzie CMH (Manistee, Benzie)

  • North Country CMH (Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska, Otsego)

  • Northern Lakes CMH (Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, Wexford)

  • Northeast CMH (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Presque Isle)

REGION 2

  • Allegan CMH

  • Muskegon CMH

  • Network 180 (Kent)

  • Ottawa CMH

  • West MI CMH (Lake, Mason, Oceana)

*No board notes

LAKESHORE REGIONAL ENTITY*

REGION 3

  • Barry CMH

  • Berrien CMH

  • Kalamazoo CMH

  • Pines CMH (Branch)

  • St. Joseph CMH

  • Summit Pointe CMH (Calhoun)

  • Van Buren CMH

  • Woodlands CMH (Cass)

REGION 4

REGION 5

  • Bay

  • Arenac

  • Clare

  • Gladwin

  • Isabella

  • Mecosta

  • Clinton

  • Eaton

  • Ingham

  • Gratiot

  • Huron

  • Ionia

  • Lifeways

  • Jackson

  • Hillsdale

  • Montcalm

  • Newaygo

  • Saginaw

  • Shiawassee

  • Tuscola

REGION 6

  • Washtenaw CMH

  • Lenawee CMH

  • Livingston CMH

  • Monroe CMH

REGION 7

REGION 8

MACOMB COUNTY CMH* 

REGION 9

*No board notes