We can and must do more to make sure that all Idahoans with disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental health issues get the care they need to become and stay healthy. Contrary to popular belief, not all of these individuals, are now eligible for Medicaid. In fact, thousands of Idahoans with disabilities and chronic illnesses have incomes less than $17,000 a year but do not currently qualify for Medicaid coverage. Fortunately, this November, Idahoans will have a chance to help these people get health coverage that will let them take care of themselves and their families by supporting Proposition 2 on the ballot to expand Medicaid. Expanding Medicaid will vastly improve Idaho’s behavioral health system and ensure Idahoans with disabilities, chronic conditions and those experiencing mental illness receive health coverage.

Idaho’s mental health care system is broken and too many Idahoans experiencing mental illness are falling through the cracks. While 75,000 Idahoans experienced a serious mental illness in the last year, many of these individuals do not have coverage that allows them to get the care they need to function successfully. Closing the coverage gap would help Idahoans with mental illness access important health care supports that will improve their quality of life and reduce costs for the state.

People covered by Medicaid have access to mental health services, including preventive and supportive community based services. However, Idahoans with serious mental illness who do not have Medicaid often do not get any treatment until their illness is so serious that they are in crisis, or their mental health services are ordered by the courts. Services are paid for with taxpayer dollars from state general funds or county indigent care programs, which means we all pay these costs in the end. People with severe and persistent mental illness need comprehensive services to move toward recovery, rehabilitation and independence instead of experiencing worsening conditions due to relapses and ongoing crises.

In addition to helping Idahoans with severe mental illness, expanding Medicaid at the ballot would help people recently disabled Idahoans who otherwise have no medical coverage. When people first experience disability, which prevents them from working, they can obtain Social Security Disability Benefits. However, many of these people will not be eligible for Medicare for two full years. Getting adequate medical care during the first two years after onset of disability can be crucial to future health, rehabilitation and recovery. Passing Proposition 2 is a cost effective way to ensure these Idahoans with disabilities have medical coverage for this two-year gap.

Passing Proposition 2 would save Idaho about $10 million per year in state funded mental health services while helping Idaho shift from crisis management to prevention, rehabilitation and community supports. Proposition 2 would radically improve our inadequate mental health system, improve the lives of Idahoans with disabilities and spend less state and county dollars on these services than we do today. The Consortium for Idahoans with Disabilities, wholeheartedly endorses Proposition 2 and we hope you will “Vote Yes on 2” this November.

Jennifer Zielinski is the Director with the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition and the Chair of the Consortium for Idahoans with Disabilities. Jennifer worked the last six years as the Program Coordinator for Idaho’s parent training and information center and family to family health information center, Idaho Parents Unlimited.