Behavioral health facilities, like the one proposed to be built on Mt. Carmel’s west side, operate on very narrow margins because of a couple of different factors. Dr. Maqbool Ahmed is one of two physicians bringing the $5 million facility to Mt. Carmel and he says one of the obstacles developers face is the fact the facilities aren’t reimbursed very well by payors, especially the State of Illinois. Another factor Ahmed cited was that most patients aren’t in the usual workforce and usually lack private insurance, which may have a better rate of reimbursement. To help Emrica locate in Mt. Carmel, Mayor Joe Judge said the city is offering a package of enticements…

After the land is acquired, Ahmed said Emrica will apply for a certificate of need with the state. The 24-bed facility will be located next to the Super 8 Motel on Enterprise Lane and is expected to open late next year.