December 17, 2019
UPDATES in BOLD TYPE BELOW
In the Governor’s Budget:
- There appear to be more slots than expected for the CL (240) and FIS (845) Waivers
- TEEOP is no longer in the budget but language to require the development of several supportive programs (COMPASS Waiver)
- There is an incentive payment for accepting TDOs in private facilities – with some conditions, of course
- 40 quarter work requirement for Medicaid eligibility has been eliminated
- While “redesign” is included, it appears to be less funding that requested
- There is an increase in rates for only some of the DD Waiver services – Independent Living, Supported Living, Community Engagement, Community Coaching, In-Home and Group Supported Employment – a careful review suggests that the potential increase using the funds in the Governor’s could be generous, but limited to the services listed above.
- There is an increase in the funding for the Health Support Networks to support those individuals previously served by a Training Center
- Psychiatric rates are increased to 110 percent of Medicare
- There are a number of initiatives to directly address the state hospital bed crisis including housing funding, increases in CIT training funds, diversion funding, and community-based services, etc.
- There is also detailed language on the funding for STEP-VA, but it does not appear to include the language that the Governor included in his remarks about a slower implementation.
And in the “Caboose” budget – the one the covers until June 30, 2020 – there is language as follows:
H. Upon passage of this Act, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall establish a workgroup, including stakeholders as deemed necessary by the Department, to examine and identify possible alternative treatment services and sites for minors that otherwise would be placed at the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents (CCCA). The work group shall also examine underlying systemic issues that are contributing to the increase in admissions and projected admissions at CCCA and identify potential strategies and recommendations for reducing admissions to CCCA. The membership of the work group shall include representatives from the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Office of Children’s Services, Community Services Boards, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, and other relevant stakeholders. The work group will submit its findings to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by June 15, 2020