WHEREAS:

There is a trend in Massachusetts and elsewhere of states shifting their costs to the Federal Government; and

WHEREAS:

This leads to states maximizing their ability to bill Medicaid for costs which they otherwise would have paid directly; and

WHEREAS:

Medicaid presently operates under a rule known as the "IMD (Institute for Mental Diseases) Rule" which prohibits it from paying for any services provided by a mental hospital or mental health center inpatient unit covering patients between the ages of 21 and 65 with more than 16 beds; and

WHEREAS:

This has increased the incentive for states to privatize state-run mental health services using the justification of achieving Medicaid reimbursement.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work to change the laws and regulations pertaining to Medicaid with the aim of abolishing the "IMD Rule" and making it possible for Medicaid to pay for mental health treatment in publicly run mental health facilities.

SUBMITTED BY:

Jon Grossman, President and Delegate
Rosalind P. Horner, Delegate
AFSCME Local 470, Council 93
Massachusetts