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Michigan's governor eyes mental health makeover, GOP skeptical

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Governor Rick Snyder says he has concerns about whether Michigan's health care system could handle the increased number of patients if the state agrees to expand Medicaid eligibility.

The Republican has said one of the benefits of opting in to an expansion under the Affordable Health Care Act is it would allow the state to significantly expand assistance for those who need mental health care.

Snyder said Friday that he hasn't made his decision but will announce it during his budget address on February 7th.

But he also said that he has concerns about whether the state's health care system and providers would have the capacity to handle the increased number of people who would qualify for coverage.

About 70 percent of state psychiatric hospitals have closed since the mid-1980s.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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