Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie Kelly yesterday praised the House of Representatives and Senate for prioritizing behavioral health services.
“While difficult decisions lie ahead in budget negotiations, Florida’s Managing Entities thank the Senate and the House of Representatives for prioritizing the funding of behavioral health services. By ensuring that recurring general revenue is funding these essential programs, we eliminate the uncertainty and risk tied to requesting approval for federal funding after services have been provided.
“We continue to see the need for behavioral health services soar with increased rates of opioid overdoses, as well as anxiety and depression. These vital behavioral health services help keep Floridians on their feet—and out of jails and emergency rooms.”
Florida’s seven Managing Entities oversee a network of approximately 300 health care provider organizations delivering behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, to more than 320,000 uninsured Floridians. Providers meet patients’ diverse needs with “wraparound services” that address mental health and substance use issues and assist with housing, transportation, and employment.
