Michigan’s behavioral health system has long faced a critical transportation gap — and the MHA is supporting efforts to close it.
Last week, the legislature introduced two bills that represent a significant step forward for patients in crisis and the hospitals caring for them. Senate Bill (SB) 928, which would create a licensure structure for Behavioral Health Transport (BHT) vehicles, and SB 927, which would establish a reimbursement mechanism for their services.
The Problem
Michigan currently has two categories of medical transport: Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), designed for predictable, scheduled trips such as outpatient appointments; and Emergency Medical Transport (EMT) via ambulance, designed for acute physical health emergencies. Neither of these options is well-suited for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Patients in crisis cannot schedule their need for transport in advance — as NEMT requires — yet more than 99% do not require the level of medical intervention an ambulance provides. Over the past five years, Michigan has seen a 65.5% increase in transports for patients in a mental health crisis, placing increased strain on fragile Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.
The consequences are real. Hospitals report patients waiting 48–72 hours for transport to psychiatric beds, with confirmed placements lost because transport could not be arranged in time. EMS providers are being pulled away from the high-acuity medical emergencies their training and equipment are designed for – and because BHT services have been operating under different licenses, they have not been able to secure Medicaid reimbursement.
What BHT Offers
Behavioral Health Transport vehicles are built for patients in crisis, featuring a number of safety features for both the patient and the driver. BHT units operate with consistent availability and pick-up can typically be arranged within hours of a request. Early adopters cite a strong preference for BHT over ambulance transport, reporting a calmer environment, reduced stigma and greater dignity for individuals in crisis.
The Legislative Solution
SB 928 creates a licensure structure for BHT vehicles, establishing the regulatory foundation needed to define and recognize this new category of certified transport. SB 927 builds on that foundation by creating a reimbursement mechanism, enabling BHT providers enrolled with the MDHHS to bill for services and ending the current dynamic in which hospitals are financially penalized for choosing the safer, more appropriate option.
For more information or to share feedback on these bills, members should contact the MHA Policy Team.