Stop the State of Idaho from renewing its contract with Optum. Optum is currently contracted to manage Idaho's Behavioral Health Plan through Medicaid.
Why is this important?
As a student studying Social Work, I have recently been made aware of the problems that Optum has created within the mental health field. I have witnessed first hand the additional "hoops" individuals, most often children, who qualify for Medicaid now have to jump through in order to receive mental health care, and many times services needed are denied. Along with not providing services to vulnerable populations in need, Optum is not reimbursing providers properly, which could lead to the deterioration of mental health care in Idaho. In order to help those in need and protect mental health care providers, Idaho must not sign another contract with Optum.
