Quick recap

The meeting focused on contract and funding updates from HHSC and reflections on the recent HHSC Summit. Doug and others reported receiving only CCMS contract amendments and no new residential contracts, while Crystal shared that Kashila indicated new contract terms would change BPAs and BARS deadlines. Crystal also noted BeWell’s strict contract signing deadlines for OBOT and T-Tour. Participants discussed the HHSC Summit, describing it as open and engaged, with HHSC acknowledging silos, limited authority, and the need for legislative action on rates. Attendees highlighted ongoing frustrations with CMBHS, reporting requirements, and contract manager turnover, attributing issues to low pay and system overload. Jennifer announced her upcoming retirement, and Parris introduced herself and shared clinical and audit challenges. The group emphasized the need for continued advocacy, especially on residential underfunding and legislative engagement.

Next steps

Anna

• Await and distribute the legislative strategy from Duane to the group.https://tasks.zoom.us?meetingId=ZHhn1zN4Tl64ITYCXdtVBA%3D%3D&stepId=4ebd124d-9d76-11f1-a1da-3e7b61918270

Doug

• Target a conservative legislator in the southern sector of the district to advocate for provider needs, focusing on veteran services.https://tasks.zoom.us?meetingId=ZHhn1zN4Tl64ITYCXdtVBA%3D%3D&stepId=4ebd0ea4-9d76-11f1-9531-3e7b61918270

• Attend Jennifer's farewell if a party is organized, or visit her before her retirement at the end of September.https://tasks.zoom.us?meetingId=ZHhn1zN4Tl64ITYCXdtVBA%3D%3D&stepId=4ebd18e7-9d76-11f1-a1df-3e7b61918270

Collaboration

• All Providers: Begin requesting any additional funding or money movement between programs as early as September 1st, with deadlines of March 1st for additional funding and May 31st for program money movement.https://tasks.zoom.us?meetingId=ZHhn1zN4Tl64ITYCXdtVBA%3D%3D&stepId=4ebd1458-9d76-11f1-a8ce-3e7b61918270

• Providers with BeWell contracts (e.g., T-Tour, OBOT): Ensure contracts are signed and returned by August 31st to avoid loss of billing for September.https://tasks.zoom.us?meetingId=ZHhn1zN4Tl64ITYCXdtVBA%3D%3D&stepId=4ebd15ef-9d76-11f1-8028-3e7b61918270

• All Providers: Monitor for the new fiscal year contract from HHSC, expected possibly in September.https://tasks.zoom.us?meetingId=ZHhn1zN4Tl64ITYCXdtVBA%3D%3D&stepId=4ebd1775-9d76-11f1-9f9e-3e7b61918270

Summary

Team Social Meeting Discussion

The meeting began with casual greetings and weather-related conversations among team members, including Anna, Doug, Carrie, Jennifer, and Bill. They discussed recent travels, weather differences between locations, and the high costs of travel and food in Alaska. Bill mentioned baling hay and hoping for rain to allow for another cutting. No specific decisions or action items were discussed.

New Fiscal Year Contracts Discussion

The group discussed new fiscal year contracts, with Doug and Vaughan confirming they received CCMS contracts but not residential contracts. Carrie mentioned receiving an amended contract on July 6th, though it appeared to be for the current year rather than a new contract. Bill explained that he had been processing contract amendments without realizing they were not the full new contracts, as he had been told they were related to state cleanup efforts for report outs.

Contract Process Deadline Updates

Crystal reported on changes to contract processes based on a meeting with Kashila, including new deadlines for requesting funding and moving money between programs. She noted that the deadline for requesting additional funding has been moved to March 1st, and the deadline for moving money between programs over 25% is now May 31st. Crystal also mentioned that BeWell contracts, including T-Tour and OBOT, must be signed by August 31st to allow for back billing, with all such contracts already sent out two weeks prior.

HHSC Summit Updates Discussion

The group discussed updates from a recent summit with HHSC, where participants shared insights about the challenges HHSC faces due to system silos and limited decision-making power. Key outcomes included progress with BeWell regarding invoice requirements, though rate changes for dependent children were found to be minimally beneficial. The group acknowledged that significant changes to rates and funding would require legislative action rather than administrative changes by HHSC.

Legislative Advocacy Strategy Meeting

Anna emphasized the importance of direct advocacy efforts with legislators and HHSC, noting that while the organization can receive support in education, they must lead advocacy efforts independently. Doug shared that he and Noel had met with the Executive Commissioner who acknowledged their concerns about provider rates and budget constraints but explained they cannot request increases due to strict guidelines. Doug mentioned plans to meet with a conservative legislator in the southern sector to discuss their veteran services work, with Anna suggesting others should also target friendly legislators as the legislative session approaches.

Public Health Hearing Concerns

Anna shared that they were not invited to a recent public health hearing about SUD, but noted that Dr. Laguna was on the panel and aligns with their priorities due to their established relationship. Jennifer expressed concerns about the expectation to provide medical services at residential facilities at an unrealistic price point. Carrie raised a question about high contract manager turnover, which remains unresolved, and expressed concern about the impact on issue resolution and staff retention.

CMBHS Systems Improvement Discussion

Jennifer discussed ongoing issues with CMBHS systems, including problematic forms and billing crosswalk processes, attributing the problems to system failures and lack of will to implement fixes. She announced her retirement at the end of September and expressed hope that the current issues would be addressed before then. Parris introduced herself as Brad's assistant director and clinical manager, sharing her experiences with auditor challenges and expressing support for improving processes. The group discussed the frustration with CMBHS systems and expressed hope for improvements in the coming fiscal year.