BH Update - November 2017

Key Highlights This Month:  

1. Potential MACSSA Position Statement: Discussed a potential position statement to further amend the MN Statute to include Detoxification/Withdrawal Management services under “Presumptive Eligibility” requirements and reduce the client contribution for this benefit
2. SUD Reform update:  The Department of Human Services continues to roll out information regarding SUD Reform through bi-weekly WebEx forums. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a section 1115 waiver of Title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide Medicaid payments for services provided in an Institution for Mental Disease (IMD), as part of the state’s larger reform effort to ensure a continuum of care for people with substance use disorders, as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 254B.15.
3. CD Position Statement:  Looking for feedback on this, which will be brought to MACSSA in December. 
4. Legal Action Center: is starting to approach states about complying with parity law.  They are lobbying health plans to do parity for folks with substance use issues.
5. Telehealth:  Was approved for November 1, 2017 for Substance use services, but rates were not set.  Given that, providers not held accountable to these new measures because they are not reimbursable until July 2018. 
6. Innovation Grants:  this is minimal dollars for building infrastructure.  The money really doesn’t need to go to counties, others can apply for those funds, so now the language in the bill is that the county just needs to offer a letter of support.  Some Regional approach discussions for this are occurring.
7. CRP and Direct Care and Treatment:  MACSSA may want to hold a topic forum on this discussion as it seems possible (or even likely) that another cost shift will happen in the next legislative session for CRP.  This will be brought the topic leads group for discussion.
8. Commitment Statute:  Sue Abderholden has convened a group of  members from hospitals, county attorney’s offices, consumers, counties and bring changes to Mn Statute 253B.  There may be others attempting to modifying the statute in the next legislative session which may be detrimental to counties.  

Requested Actions Needed From MACSSA:  
At the next topic lead meeting, should discuss timing of another SUD Reform Forum. 

1. CRP and Direct Care and Treatment:  MACSSA may want to hold a topic forum on this discussion as it seems possible (or even likely) that another cost shift will happen in the next legislative session for CRP.  This will be brought the topic leads group for discussion. 

New Trends in This Area:  NA

Issues/Concerns Regarding This Topic:  NA

Legislative Impacts:  

LADC licensure issues continue to be a problem as discussed at last month’s topic forum discussion.  Counties should pay attention to what happens with the CCDTF in the upcoming legislative session – counties need safeguards around when/how the CCDTF is used by outside providers.  

Supporting Materials:  NA

Contacts(s):  Melissa Huberty/Jerry Pederson