Quick recap

The team discussed logistics for an upcoming meeting and addressed recent communications, including email updates and link issues. They reviewed changes to various programs and grants, expressing concern for affected employees and staff. The conversation ended with discussions on payment delays, grant challenges, and the need for alternative funding sources, with participants encouraged to complete a survey assessing the impact of these grants.

Next steps

• Anna: Continue working on notification settings for the website to reduce mass emails and clarify if users need to adjust settings themselves.

• All group members: Fill out the survey regarding the impact of SAMHSA grant cuts (if not already done), regardless of whether the cuts are rescinded, to help communicate impact to the state.

• Noelle: Update the group with more information after her call with HHSC.

  
  

Summary

Meeting Logistics and Access Planning

Anna and Noelle discussed logistics for an upcoming meeting, including sending reminder emails to attendees and managing access for participants in the waiting room. They agreed to let Kathy in and make Noelle the host to facilitate the meeting. Noelle mentioned that attendees might have new schedules due to recent events, and Kathy commented on the emotional impact of the situation.

Communications Update and Link Resolution

The team discussed recent communications, with Quincy mentioning receipt of an email containing working links that resolved some issues. Noelle noted the unpredictability of current events and expressed gratitude for the email that helped address the link problems. The group also inquired about any additional communications from SAMHSA beyond what was received on Tuesday, but no further updates were shared.

UT Austin Program Reversal Discussion

Carrie and Noelle discussed the reversal of a program involving UT Austin and HHMS, which was informed to them by Amy. They expressed concern for the employees and staff affected by the changes. Noelle mentioned she was hopeful the decision would be final and looked forward to official communication from the source. Carrie planned to follow up with UT Austin and shared a link from the government website for verification.

SAMHSA Grant Funding Cancellation Update

Noelle informed the group that SAMHSA had canceled $2 billion in discretionary grant funding on Tuesday, affecting contractors and state programs, including the Suicide Prevention Fund and IHCP. Anna apologized for the mass emails sent to set up participants for the Billing and Financial Group website and mentioned that meeting summaries were uploaded for review. The group discussed payment delays from the previous month, but no updates were provided on whether these delays had been resolved.

BeWell Grant Payment Updates

The team discussed payment status for BeWell RSS and MOUD grants, with Carrie confirming that September through November payments were received in December. Anna and Noelle mentioned their ongoing efforts to establish a relationship with BeWell, while GLittle reported that their RSS program payments were also up to date. The discussion concluded with Anna inquiring about new state-level challenges, noting the current uncertainty around SAMHSA grants.

State Contracts and Funding Challenges

The meeting focused on updates and challenges related to state contracts, Medicaid payments, and SAMHSA grants. Carrie shared that residential providers face ongoing issues with Medicaid, particularly regarding room and board payments, while Anna highlighted the need for rate increases in Texas, acknowledging the state's lag in funding. The group discussed the impact of potential SAMHSA grant cuts, with Noelle confirming that recent notifications about grant terminations had been rescinded, though specific details were still pending. Participants were encouraged to complete a survey to assess the impact of these grants, and the conversation ended with an emphasis on exploring alternative funding sources for sustainability.