There were approximately 287,000 adults and 231,000 children enrolled for 1999-2000. The OHP is a system of managed physical and mental health care which is permitted under a waiver of the federal Medicaid requirement. Mental health contractors are required to give an assessment and services to eligible citizens. Barriers to persons seeking services under the OHP are the stigma of admitting to a mental health problem and finding the right set of providers when there are multiple health issues. Eligible diagnoses under OHP are broader now than in the 1980s under the public mental health system.
Some people have insurance coverage, but the mental health benefits are small and capped.
These services have not been adequate in the 1990s, particularly for children. This has led to incarceration for inappropriate public behavior, people on the streets , and increased demands for early intervention and for more emergency care. Some issues critical to the stability of the mental health system are addressed below. The inability of the mental health system to deal with dual diagnosis clients has created service gaps. For example, the lack of cross training for mental health and substance abuse professionals limits the ability to provide treatment.