December 19, 2025
Quick recap
The meeting focused on discussing funding allocation issues and challenges with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Providers expressed concerns about the distribution of funds, noting that regions like Region 3 experienced a slight drop in funding despite serving high-need populations. The group discussed how HHSC used independent data to determine funding needs rather than provider-submitted data, leading to misaligned funding with actual service needs. Providers shared difficulties in accessing funds for priority populations, particularly pregnant and parenting women, and the impact of these cuts on their ability to serve clients. The conversation also touched on the challenges of private fundraising to supplement state funding shortfalls. Noelle, representing ASAP, listened to these concerns and emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting providers through policy advocacy and exploring alternative funding streams.
Next steps
Summary
HHSC Self-Report Review Delayed
The meeting began with Noelle and Jennifer discussing technical difficulties with cameras and Zoom, which delayed the start. Once everyone was present, Doug mentioned having the self-report by HHSC ready for review, but the transcript ends before further details are provided.
Sunset Committee Self-Report Discrepancies
The team discussed the self-report for the Sunset Committee, noting discrepancies in the reported numbers for substance use treatment services, which seemed underreported or biased towards certain programs. Deirdre agreed that the numbers appeared low and suggested communicating this concern to the relevant authorities. They also touched on the challenges of completing the CCMS quarterly report, with SWagnon expressing difficulty in answering certain questions due to the nature of their program and the requirements outlined in the report.
CCMS and TRA-TRF Reporting Challenges
The team discussed challenges with quarterly reporting requirements for CCMS and TRA-TRF, where Crystal explained that they are including all relevant activities and organizational achievements in multiple reports to address concerns about program performance. The group identified issues with how direct admissions are being counted in performance measures, with Crystal noting that same-day residential admissions are not being tracked properly. The discussion concluded with SWagnon expressing concerns about receiving meeting notifications and email distributions, which Crystal agreed to help resolve by forwarding relevant information.
CCMS Sunset Commission Timeline Review
The team discussed the Sunset Commission process and timeline for CCMS, with Noelle providing clarification that comments are due by April 2026, though there was some confusion about earlier deadlines. They reviewed contract awards and funding, with Noelle noting that while total funding increased slightly, HHSC allocated funds differently across regions compared to the previous cycle. The team is working on comparing 2021 and 2026 contracts through a public records request, though some organizations from the previous cycle are no longer active.
HHSC Budget and Funding Review
The group discussed budget allocations and funding issues with HHSC, noting that Columbus received its budget this week, though corrections were still needed. Bill mentioned that fines can be reduced by taking the state to administrative court, though this process is costly. The conversation shifted to funding allocations by region, with Noelle presenting a slide comparing 2021 and 2026 regional funding. Doug and Noelle clarified that North Star and Collin County MHMR LifePath received separate allocations, distinct from the overall totals presented. The group expressed uncertainty about the exact contract sizes and total funding amounts, with Noelle offering to seek clarification from HHSC about the full scope of SUD funding.
Substance Use Funding Records Review
The group discussed public records requests for substance use disorder treatment funding, with Jennifer explaining that previous requests provided detailed contract information including amounts by category and region. Noelle raised questions about the value and necessity of such requests, seeking to understand how they benefit the business community. Katie shared that from a provider perspective, they were underfunded by a significant amount and received conflicting information from HHS about statewide treatment funding, leading to concerns about how funds were distributed without regard for service provider availability.
Statewide HIV SUD Program Challenges
The group discussed funding issues for a statewide HIV positive SUD co-occurring program, which has been operating for 24 years but recently faced budget cuts and administrative challenges. Vaughan explained that HHSC restricts the movement of funds between regions and requires providers to work with existing regional providers for 5 years before reapplying, which has created difficulties in meeting the needs of pregnant and parenting women across regions, particularly in Houston where the program typically runs at 35-40 census but is only funded for 11 beds. The discussion highlighted tensions between regional needs and administrative restrictions, with specific concerns about DFPS involvement and the removal of newborns due to treatment access delays.
Funding Shifts and Provider Concerns
Vaughan and Katie discussed funding issues related to Sunset and procurement reviews, while Noelle raised concerns about providers' shock at funding allocations and unclear communication. Katie explained that they created a spreadsheet comparing 21 versus 26 funding across programs to demonstrate funding shifts, such as the loss of PBWC funding but gains in case management. Noelle shared that HHSC used independent data to inform funding decisions, which was communicated before the RFP, but she was unclear about how this information was disseminated by ASAP.
Regional Funding and Policy Strategies
Noelle and Katie discussed funding strategies and shifts in regions, noting significant changes in regions 8, 11, and 7. Noelle emphasized the need for a proactive policy approach and highlighted the importance of advocating for rate increases. She invited everyone to join a legislative working group to develop an effective strategy.
Policy and Advocacy Strategy Update
Noelle discussed a policy and advocacy strategy with the team, focusing on understanding challenges and supporting businesses in treatment services. Katie emphasized the need for proactive questions to HHSC about short-term actions and medium-term solutions, as long-term planning is difficult due to devastating cuts. Vaughan raised concerns about priority populations, particularly pregnant women and those with child welfare involvement, and questioned if new guidance would be issued to reflect funding changes. Doug provided an update on Region 3's funding, noting a slight drop that included unexplained discrepancies in expected funds for NITPA and other organizations.
Texas Healthcare Funding Challenges
The group discussed funding challenges in Texas's healthcare system, with Bill noting that Texas has been covering shortfalls through foundations and non-profits, leading to continued state funding cuts. Deirdre shared that MHMR Fort Worth had to shut down their detox program due to funding issues, highlighting the difficulty of securing funding for services serving adult addicts and alcoholics. Noelle suggested that ASAP could help organizations right-size their operations while seeking growth opportunities, and proposed exploring multiple funding streams beyond state funding. The conversation ended with participants wishing each other a Merry Christmas.