Community Mental Health for Central Michigan reports local caseload, warns of uncertainty from state Medicaid procurement

Community Mental Health for Central Michigan (CMHCM) presented its annual report to the Clare County Board of Commissioners, saying the agency served just over 10,600 individuals across six counties in the past year and about 1,500 in Clare County specifically. Brian Crockman, CMHCM executive director, told commissioners the agency’s current regional budget is about $157,000,000 and Clare County’s allocation is roughly $16.5 million; Clare County contributes a fixed $139,000 under the enabling resolution.

Crockman said the vast majority of CMHCM funding—about 92%–93%—comes from Medicaid and that the agency is monitoring federal and state policy changes. “Our vision is communities where all individuals experience healthy and meaningful lives,” Crockman said while summarizing services and accreditation status; CMHCM is accredited by The Joint Commission and expects a three‑year on‑site review in 2026.

Crockman and Sarah Mcelle Sorensen, CMHCM chief clinical officer, described local programs including jail‑liaison services, school‑based mental health staff, home‑based intensive services and a family stabilization pilot. Sorensen highlighted examples in which staff intervention led to reengagement with school, crisis response, and improved access to medical care.

A central policy concern raised to commissioners was a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) request for proposals (RFP) that would change how prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHPs) receive and distribute Medicaid funds. Crockman said the state released the RFP on Aug. 4 and that on Aug. 28 a motion for a preliminary injunction was filed in federal court to block the procurement; plaintiffs include multiple PIHPs and CMH entities, and Mid State Health Network is one named plaintiff. Crockman characterized the lawsuit as challenging what several CMH authorities view as an unlawful privatization of a government function and as potentially in conflict with the Michigan Mental Health Code.

Crockman said the RFP proposes reducing Michigan’s PIHP regions from 10 to three broad regions (Northern, Central and Metro) but that the RFP text allows for more than one PIHP per region; he said the final map and number of contractors remain unclear. Crockman urged commissioners to note the local implications and referenced an earlier county resolution opposing the procurement. He also noted advocacy activities and a “Walk a Mile” event held at the state capitol focused on the procurement issue.

Sorensen described local services and partnerships in Clare County, including a bachelor’s‑level jail liaison position providing crisis screening and reentry support; school‑based clinicians funded through Section 31n sources; contracts with local school districts; and a three‑year family stabilization pilot that has connected families in crisis to services. She provided case examples of clinical interventions that commissioners said illustrated the agency’s community role.

The presentation did not include a county action item or vote. Commissioners asked to be included in human services collaborative communications; CMHCM staff agreed to share meeting invitations and contact information.