While the state overspent its budget trying to keep up with demand, many clinics fell far behind in submitting bills. At least a dozen more are near insolvency. The agency currently pays for services for about 80,000 people, most of whom have Medicaid coverage. About 17,000 fall into the gray zone, unable to qualify for Medicaid but without private insurance or an insurance plan that covers their mental health needs. The cutbacks are already taking a toll.
Providers fear there's more to come.
The woman was desperate to find help for her troubled son, who has been suspended repeatedly from school, Carswell said. The Medicaid deficit is less worrisome to lawmakers because the state has no choice but to make up the difference. Instead, the administration is steering the debate toward reductions in service. In the public safety category, Public Defender Stephen E. Harris said he remains hopeful his agency will receive full funding when the governor submits a supplemental budget proposal this year. The new spending would come on top of a 16 percent pay increase for agents now going into effect.