The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is partnering with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) to launch the Oxford Community Mental Health Services Copay and Deductible Program for those directly impacted by the shooting that occurred at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021. Oxford students and their families (households), as well as school administrators and staff, can now apply for up to $2,000 in assistance for insurance co-pay, deductible or service payments associated with mental health care.
“After the horrific incident on November 30, many community leaders immediately realized we had gaps in support due to high co-pays and deductibles for mental health,” said Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) who authored the resolution. “We knew we had to establish a solution quickly, and working closely with OCHN we were able create such a program. No victim from this incident should have to go untreated or stop treatment due to healthcare costs.”
A resolution to establish the program passed unanimously at the Board’s meeting on February 24. During its meeting on January 20, the Board voted to dedicate $500,000 to support the mental health needs of students, families and educators who were directly impacted by the tragedy. OCHN will manage and facilitate the distribution of the funds.
“It is a real honor for OCHN to be entrusted with the important responsibility of helping to provide mental health payment relief for Oxford students, families, and school personnel,” OCHN Executive Director and CEO Dana Lasenby said. “I applaud Commissioner Spisz and the entire Board for taking quick action to ensure those impacted by this devastating incident have access to quality mental health supports.”
Individuals can apply for insurance co-pay, deductible or mental health service payment assistance online at bit.ly/OCHNOxfrdGrntApp or by calling 248-464-6363. Proof of payment for insurance co-pays, deductibles or services provided by a qualified mental health professional is required. Eligible service examples include psychiatry, psychological testing, psychological assessment, family therapy, or individual counseling or psychotherapy. Documentation and information needed to complete the application includes student name, grade, and age (if applicable); individual, parent, or guardian name; mailing address; and a signed service consent form.
“We, as a community, need to rally behind each other and continue to help where we can,” Spisz said. “I must thank the entire Board of Commissioners and the Executive Office for their support and working with me to fill very important need in our community.”
OCHN leads a provider service network that assists approximately 23,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of, and have access to, services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit www.oakgov.com/boc.
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