More money available for state's mentally ill

HELENA - Montanans suffering from mental illness may be able to get $175 more per month for prescription drugs than lawmakers originally thought was available.

Earlier this year, the Legislature thought the state could afford to spend only $250 a month on medication for each low-income Montanan suffering from mental illness.

But accountants in the state's Addictive and Mental Disorders Division now say they think up to $425 in prescription drug benefits per month will be available.

The increase is attributed to changes the state made in the way it pays providers for mental health services.

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