Idaho Cut Services for People With Schizophrenia. Then the Deaths Began.
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Idaho cut Medicaid-funded services for people with severe mental illnesses, including home visits and medical care, as a cost-saving measure in December.
- Lorenzo Pahvitse-Rodriguez, a stabilized patient with schizophrenia, died from sepsis after dental surgery complications, marking the first of several deaths linked to the program's termination.
- Additional deaths occurred among Idahoans who lost access to ACT services, with patients found dead in their homes due to untreated health issues and paranoia preventing medication adherence.
- The fatalities prompted Idaho legislators to urgently vote to restore funding for the assertive community treatment (ACT) program to prevent further harm.
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