The state has finally agreed to delay the rollout and rethink the funding gaps. My bones are tired from this fight but the relief for our community is worth every ounce of effort we put in. We need to stay watchful to ensure they actually follow through on their promises.
November 28, 2016
Final supporters
The State of New Jersey is rolling out a new Fee-for-Service funding model, which is substantially reducing the number of state dollars dedicated to the community mental health system with the expectation that Federal Medicaid money will fill the gap.
What does this mean?
This means that there will be holes in the safety net that supports many individuals who receive mental health services in the community. Providers will be expected to pick up the outstanding balances resulting from insufficient repayment rates, and patients without Medicaid will likely have a harder time finding sufficient mental health care.
It is imperative that the State not only delay the implementation of Fee-for-Service, but also keep their investment and involvement in the community mental health system.
For a more detailed analysis, please follow the link:
Mental Health, Addiction Agencies Facing Problems With New Billing Reforms
State Overview of Transition to Fee-for-Service
Although the State has made efforts to create a plan that will support the system, the proposed rates are still too low and will put providers in a position of having to close access to certain programs, specifically outpatient programs.
It is also important to note that the strict regulations and qualifications for Medicaid will create more challenges for working class individuals and families seeking services and support. The bottom line is that the numbers simply do not add up, and the summation of these issues will be a community mental health crisis: care that is less accessible and less affordable for all.
The decision to make this transition is in the name of "Saving Money", with the goal of being able to stretch the funding further. But will it save money? We think not. In fact, studies have shown that when people with mental illness do not receive proper care, there could be even greater costs that the State will have to pay:
The Consequences of Non-Treatment
We are petitioning the State to delay the implementation of Fee-for-Service, to reconsider some of the proposed rates, and ultimately to keep the State's investment and involvement in the community mental health system.
Without proper action, the current decisions may leave your friends and family unable to afford the care they need or unable to access the doctors who can help. If you know of someone enrolled in mental health services, please forward this petition and encourage as many signatures as you can!
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 12, 2016
October 9, 2016
The climb toward one thousand signatures has been draining but the need to hold the state accountable remains. Please put this in front of anyone who understands the danger of these funding cuts before we reach that mark.
September 27, 2016
Reaching this point has been an exhausting uphill climb but seeing the numbers grow reminds me why we started this fight in the first place. This transition could break our mental health system and I am tired of watching our safety net get torn apart. We have a long road ahead but I am not walking away from this yet.
Reached 100 supporters
August 29, 2016
August 27, 2016
The toll of this transition is heavy and honestly exhausting to track. We are nearing our initial goal but the state is still ignoring the gaps in care. Please get this in front of anyone who understands the human cost of these cuts.
240 Comments
We need a longer transition time and higher fees for reimbursement in order for agencies to be able to provide the acceptable level of care and not have these consumer return to the mental health hospitals which will cost the state more money.
The current reimbursement for outpatient services will mean the death of outpatient for our most vulnerable consumers. Consumers will have no option to receive needed medication that has been instrumental in keeping them a functional member of society.
Providers are not opposed to FFS. We need rates which will cover the cost of doing business. State dollars need to remain in our budgets and removed gradually, 25% per quarter or as with the current PERS contract, kept in all year and reconciled at the end of the FY.
This population needs holistic services, and fee-for service is a medical model so it may set individuals up for failure. Fee for service doesn't pay for the wrap-around services necessary to thrive in the community.
As the mother of a young adult who receives Mental Health services it scares me what will happen under Fee for Service for someone who has worked so hard to get to where he is today. If services go away what will happen to all the consumers affected by the lack os services.
This FFS is going to ruin alot of these individuals lives and prevent them from going home for stays with their families and alot more. It is taking away their human rights!
The Dumont mental health facility has been available and life saving over the course of many years. My ability to pay has fluctuated and Dumont Mental health has always been a comfort. Without the proper medication I would not be able to be a contributing member of society. Please encourage others to be teachable about mental health
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
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The state has finally agreed to delay the rollout and rethink the funding gaps. My bones are tired from this fight but the relief for our community is worth every ounce of effort we put in. We need to stay watchful to ensure they actually follow through on their promises.
November 28, 2016
Final supporters
The State of New Jersey is rolling out a new Fee-for-Service funding model, which is substantially reducing the number of state dollars dedicated to the community mental health system with the expectation that Federal Medicaid money will fill the gap.
What does this mean?
This means that there will be holes in the safety net that supports many individuals who receive mental health services in the community. Providers will be expected to pick up the outstanding balances resulting from insufficient repayment rates, and patients without Medicaid will likely have a harder time finding sufficient mental health care.
It is imperative that the State not only delay the implementation of Fee-for-Service, but also keep their investment and involvement in the community mental health system.
For a more detailed analysis, please follow the link:
Mental Health, Addiction Agencies Facing Problems With New Billing Reforms
State Overview of Transition to Fee-for-Service
Although the State has made efforts to create a plan that will support the system, the proposed rates are still too low and will put providers in a position of having to close access to certain programs, specifically outpatient programs.
It is also important to note that the strict regulations and qualifications for Medicaid will create more challenges for working class individuals and families seeking services and support. The bottom line is that the numbers simply do not add up, and the summation of these issues will be a community mental health crisis: care that is less accessible and less affordable for all.
The decision to make this transition is in the name of "Saving Money", with the goal of being able to stretch the funding further. But will it save money? We think not. In fact, studies have shown that when people with mental illness do not receive proper care, there could be even greater costs that the State will have to pay:
The Consequences of Non-Treatment
We are petitioning the State to delay the implementation of Fee-for-Service, to reconsider some of the proposed rates, and ultimately to keep the State's investment and involvement in the community mental health system.
Without proper action, the current decisions may leave your friends and family unable to afford the care they need or unable to access the doctors who can help. If you know of someone enrolled in mental health services, please forward this petition and encourage as many signatures as you can!
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 12, 2016
October 9, 2016
The climb toward one thousand signatures has been draining but the need to hold the state accountable remains. Please put this in front of anyone who understands the danger of these funding cuts before we reach that mark.
September 27, 2016
Reaching this point has been an exhausting uphill climb but seeing the numbers grow reminds me why we started this fight in the first place. This transition could break our mental health system and I am tired of watching our safety net get torn apart. We have a long road ahead but I am not walking away from this yet.
Reached 100 supporters
August 29, 2016
August 27, 2016
The toll of this transition is heavy and honestly exhausting to track. We are nearing our initial goal but the state is still ignoring the gaps in care. Please get this in front of anyone who understands the human cost of these cuts.
240 Comments
Fee-for-Service has fees too low to keep agencies from continuing to operate. Some activities are not covered by Medicaid yet need to be funded for case management to be possible. One example is transportation to services and resources in the community.
We need a longer transition time and higher fees for reimbursement in order for agencies to be able to provide the acceptable level of care and not have these consumer return to the mental health hospitals which will cost the state more money.
The current reimbursement for outpatient services will mean the death of outpatient for our most vulnerable consumers. Consumers will have no option to receive needed medication that has been instrumental in keeping them a functional member of society.
Providers are not opposed to FFS. We need rates which will cover the cost of doing business. State dollars need to remain in our budgets and removed gradually, 25% per quarter or as with the current PERS contract, kept in all year and reconciled at the end of the FY.
This population needs holistic services, and fee-for service is a medical model so it may set individuals up for failure. Fee for service doesn't pay for the wrap-around services necessary to thrive in the community.
As the mother of a young adult who receives Mental Health services it scares me what will happen under Fee for Service for someone who has worked so hard to get to where he is today. If services go away what will happen to all the consumers affected by the lack os services.
This FFS is going to ruin alot of these individuals lives and prevent them from going home for stays with their families and alot more. It is taking away their human rights!
The Dumont mental health facility has been available and life saving over the course of many years. My ability to pay has fluctuated and Dumont Mental health has always been a comfort. Without the proper medication I would not be able to be a contributing member of society. Please encourage others to be teachable about mental health
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Fee-for-Service has fees too low to keep agencies from continuing to operate. Some activities are not covered by Medicaid yet need to be funded for case management to be possible. One example is transportation to services and resources in the community.