Walker announces surprise funding bump for mental health, substance abuse treatment

Gov. Scott Walker announced steps Tuesday to pay mental health professionals and substance abuse counselors more money to work with low-income Wisconsinites.

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Advocates hope the higher payment rates, which go into effect next year, will allow providers to offer more therapy appointments, psychiatric evaluations and substance abuse treatment for children and adults without private insurance.

State health officials said the expansion will cost $17 million, with about $7 million coming from state coffers and $10 million from federal dollars. It was not reviewed by legislators since the money will come from funds already approved for health programs.

Prior to the announcement, Walker's administration has been apathetic of hiking provider rates during state budget talks. But on Tuesday, health officials said the state "is in crisis, particularly related to the opioid epidemic, and we must act now to improve access to treatment."

Boosting reimbursements for providers is a move mental health advocates have long urged. The idea was also highlighted by USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's Kids in Crisis series as a method to improve a statewide shortage of mental health providers.