NEW YORK (PIX11) — PIX11 News spoke exclusively with the family of Michelle Goh, who is seeking to reform the nation’s mental health system by nearly doubling the number of Medicaid-funded psychiatric beds.
The Goh family is working with Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat who represents Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn in Congress, and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers.
“If this had been implemented in 2021, I think Michelle might still be with us,” said Michelle’s father, Justin Goh.
In January 2022, the city was gripped by the tragic death of Michelle, who was pushed in front of an oncoming R train by Marshall Simon, who had repeatedly tried and failed to get her the mental health care she needed.
Justin Goh said the decision to advocate for people like Simon was something Michelle would have wanted, as she often volunteered to help homeless people.
“He shouldn’t have been here,” Goh said. “He should have been treated in a psychiatric hospital. His sister told me he had run out of money. It’s sad to think that someone like that is on the streets.”
“Our mental health crisis is growing,” Goldman said.
Mr. Goldman, who worked with Mr. Go’s family and advocates to draft the bill, said that under an arcane federal law, Medicaid cannot pay for long-term psychiatric hospitalizations for people under 65 in facilities with more than 16 beds.
“This bill will dramatically increase the likelihood that people who want mental health treatment will be able to get it,” Goldman said. “I hope this bill will help address homelessness and improve public safety in our city.”
The Michelle Goh Act would do this by expanding Medicaid coverage to psychiatric facilities with up to 36 beds, and has broad support, including from Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican who represents Brooklyn and Staten Island.
“The United States is ready for the people to vote and pursue a bipartisan approach,” Go said hopefully. “Having more people in New York and other areas working to stay safe and helping those who need mental health care facilities can only be a positive outcome for the country and the city.”
Goldman said he strongly expects the Michelle Goh Act to be passed by the end of the year, possibly during the “lame duck” session immediately after the election.
