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The National Alliance on Mental Illness and This Is Medicaid are hosting a nonpartisan roundtable discussion to educate south and southeastern Minnesota community members on the Medicaid program and proposed federal changes that could impact mental health services in the state. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Blue Earth County History Center, 424 Warren St. in Mankato.

Medicaid, known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota, is the largest funder of mental health services in the state, covering 1.3 million Minnesotans, including families, seniors, individuals receiving long-term care and those with mental health and substance use disorders. Recent discussions in Congress suggest significant funding cuts and policy changes that could jeopardize access to essential mental health care services.

Speakers at the roundtable include Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota; Shannon Brown from Fernbrook Family Center; community members affected by mental illnesses; and advocates. They will discuss the potential impact of federal budget cuts, per capita caps, block grants and work reporting requirements on Medicaid enrollees.

“These proposed changes to Medicaid could severely restrict access to mental health care for thousands of Minnesotans,” said Abderholden.

The roundtable will highlight how Medicaid covers critical mental health services such as therapy, crisis response and psychiatric care. Attendees will also learn how to engage with lawmakers to advocate against harmful policy changes.

This event is free and open to the public. Community members, healthcare professionals, journalists, and advocates are encouraged to attend and learn more about how to protect Medicaid.