Florida’s Behavioral Health Managing Entities (BHMEs) are transforming the delivery of mental health and substance use disorder services for the state’s most vulnerable populations. In this tenth year review, Florida TaxWatch examines how BHMEs have evolved into efficient, community‐driven systems that manage over a billion dollars in services while keeping operational overhead remarkably low.
The report details how these nonprofit entities coordinate expansive networks of community providers to ensure continuous, high‐quality care. It highlights their role in streamlining service delivery, leveraging data for decision-making, and implementing strategic financial management—all essential in addressing rising demand amid rapid population growth.
Despite their successes, the review warns that the current operational funding—at just 3%—may soon compromise the system’s sustainability. To safeguard this critical infrastructure, the report recommends increasing operational funding to a sustainable 5%. This comprehensive analysis serves as an essential resource for policymakers and stakeholders looking to enhance Florida’s behavioral health landscape.