By Christina Nuckols

It’s not surprising that a lawsuit now simmering in a Richmond court hasn’t gotten much attention. It appears to be a mundane procurement dispute at first glance. But the outcome of a trial set for next month will affect thousands of low-income adults, children and their families who depend on the Medicaid health insurance program for behavioral health services. Taxpayers who foot the bill for the program should also be paying attention.

“Access to care for adults and children is going to change,” said Mira Signer, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia. “It’s not exactly clear how, but it will change. It’s a huge moment in the mental health system, frankly.”

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Nuckols is editorial page editor of The Roanoke Times.