Michigan Lawmakers Propose Bills to Fund Mental Health Transportation Services

A new package of bipartisan bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature aims to transform how people experiencing mental health crises get to the care they need. The legislation, announced May 13, 2026, would establish a dedicated behavioral health transportation framework and make these critical services eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.

Why This Matters for Michigan Communities

Right now, Michigan does not offer emergency transportation specifically designed for mental health situations. When someone is in crisis, the only options are traditional ambulance services or law enforcement transport. Both approaches have serious drawbacks. Ambulance crews are expensive and often not trained in mental health crisis response. Police involvement can escalate situations and takes officers away from other community safety duties.

"As a paramedic for 40 years, I understand the cost taxpayers bear every time we are called to a mental health crisis," said Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Pennfield Township), a sponsor of House Bill 5943. "By replacing costly emergency transports with targeted behavioral health transportation, we are prioritizing saving lives and tax dollars."

What the Bills Would Do

The legislation includes House Bills 5943 and 5944, plus Senate Bills 927 and 928. Together, these bills would:

• Allow Michigan Medicaid to reimburse companies that provide specialized mental health transportation

• Cover interfacility transfers, psychiatric admissions, and mental health evaluations

• Establish professional training standards including mental health first aid, CPR, and trauma-informed care

• Require de-escalation technique training for all transport staff

• Set vehicle safety regulations to protect both patients and workers

Local Impact and Cost Savings

Supporters say the bills could relieve significant financial pressure on hospitals and ambulance services, which currently absorb the costs of holding or transporting mental health patients. The Michigan Legislature estimates that dedicated behavioral health transport could reduce the burden on emergency departments while providing more appropriate care.

"These bills will provide a safer and more affordable solution to people in crisis," said Sen. Mark Huizenga (R-Walker), sponsor of the Senate bills. "The heart of the plan is simple: people deserve timely and professional mental health care, and our emergency departments need relief from responsibilities they were never intended to carry."

For residents currently needing mental health transportation, Modivcare coordinates non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid HMO members who have no other way to reach appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Michigan mental health transportation bills?
A: The bipartisan legislation includes House Bills 5943-5944 and Senate Bills 927-928. These bills would create a dedicated behavioral health transportation framework in Michigan and allow Medicaid to reimburse specialized transport services for mental health crises, psychiatric admissions, and evaluations.

Q: Who are the sponsors of the Michigan behavioral health transportation legislation?
A: Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Pennfield Township), a former 40-year paramedic, sponsors House Bill 5943. Rep. Amos O'Neal co-sponsors House Bill 5944. Sen. Mark Huizenga (R-Walker) sponsors Senate Bills 927 and 928.

Q: How would the Michigan mental health transport bills affect Medicaid coverage?
A: The bills would make behavioral health transportation a Medicaid-covered service for the first time in Michigan. This includes reimbursement for interfacility transfers, psychiatric admissions, and mental health evaluations, providing sustainable funding for specialized crisis transport.