EndocrinologyGreen Paper Funding Proposals "Disastrous" For People With Mental Health Problems
People with mental health problems could find themselves without adequate help and support under proposals set out in today"s green paper on adult social care, warns leading mental health charity Rethink.
Plans to make individuals contribute to the funding of their social care services via co-payment schemes and private insurance policies could leave people with mental illness unable to afford the services they need.
This is because it may be difficult for people with mental health problems to stump up the necessary financial contributions. People with mental health problems tend to live on lower than average incomes, with three quarters surviving on benefits alone. Those who are able to work often face workplace discrimination and can find it hard to stay in employment because of their fluctuating health. Moreover, enforcing a system based on private insurance policies is inherently problematic as many insurance companies impose blanket bans on people with a history of mental illness, preventing them from buying cover.
Paul Corry, Rethink"s director of public affairs, says: "With more people living in the community for longer, we know that a social care economic crisis is looming and so we welcome the green paper and its debate on future funding. The postcode lottery currently in operation results in too many people missing out on the essential care and support they need.
"However, it is essential that people on low incomes are not unfairly penalised. There is a danger that the green paper proposals would be disastrous for people with mental health problems, leading to a two tier system where quality of care is determined by an individual"s bank balance, not needs. We want to see a fairer system where everyone, regardless of pay packet, has equal access to quality services.
"On a more positive note, the government"s move to more personalised social care services is very welcome. Enabling people to make personal choices about their care will help services to adapt to individuals" needs rather than their needs as perceived by professionals."
Rethink supports:
- Equal access to care for everyone, regardless of financial standing
- A social care system funded through a rise in taxation or national insurance contributions
- An end to a postcode lottery of care
- Greater choice for individuals over the care they receive
The Mental Health Shop was created by two leading mental health charities, Rethink and Mental Health Media, and features an array of books, leaflets, DVD"s and videos on a range of mental health topics including recovery, treatment and discrimination. This unprecedented collaboration now allows for a "one stop shop" combining a range of mental health publications and products.Visit http://www.mentalhealthshop.org
Rethink