Meeting summary

Quick recap

This meeting focused on updates and discussions regarding substance use disorder treatment services and HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) interactions. Noelle led the meeting in Doug's absence and provided updates on HHSC meetings, including discussions about OSARs contracts and the potential impact of GLP-1 medications on treatment approaches. The group discussed concerns about Medicaid rate increases, with Carrie sharing information about higher VA rates for residential treatment compared to current Medicaid rates. Participants also addressed issues with managed care organizations, procurement processes, and the disconnect between regulatory requirements and program implementation. The conversation ended with updates about upcoming HHSC rate evaluation meetings and the importance of providing feedback during the current sunset review process.

Next steps

• Carrie: Coordinate with public relations to send photos from the facility opening to Anna for newsletter and social media.

• Anna: Share the GLP-1 study with interested group members and/or post it in the group for treatment on the website.

• All group members: Review the sunset review comments link shared by Noelle and provide additional feedback as soon as possible.

• Carrie: Work on documenting issues with managed care and Texas Medicaid, and send to Noelle to add to sunset review comments.

• Carrie: Share the list of alternative H codes and VA rate information with the group for billing and rate negotiation reference.

• All group members: Be on the lookout for HHSC outreach regarding rate evaluation/audit and provide requested information if contacted.

Summary

New Facility Opening Feedback

Carrie shared positive feedback about the opening of a new facility, highlighting overwhelming community support and praise from local representatives, judges, and emergency management officials. Anna offered to share photos from the event on social media and newsletters, and Carrie agreed to coordinate with their public relations team to provide the images. The discussion also touched on technical difficulties due to internet issues, with Noelle and Anna mentioning they had been disconnected briefly.

ASAP HHSC Collaboration Updates

Noelle provided updates on ASAP's ongoing work with HHSC, explaining that meeting structures have changed to allow for more frequent and direct communication with the state. She emphasized that ASAP is working to influence HHSC's agendas and discussed the upcoming renewal of OSAR contracts in 2028. Noelle also shared information about a study on GLP-1s potentially being used to treat substance use disorder and sought input on how this might impact treatment providers' work.

GLP-1 Drugs in Addiction Treatment

The group discussed the potential use of GLP-1 drugs in addiction treatment, with Noelle sharing a blog post about ongoing studies. They explored how these drugs might affect their business model, client base, and treatment services. The conversation touched on the accessibility of GLP-1 drugs and the need to consider their integration into their programming. The group agreed to circle back to this topic next month after reviewing the shared study.

GLP-1 Medication Impact Discussion

The group discussed the potential impact of GLP-1 medication on substance use disorder treatment, with Vaughan and Katie agreeing it would unlikely affect OUD treatment significantly but could influence AUD treatment. Bill and Brad expressed concerns about government entities potentially redirecting funding towards medication-based treatments, which could reduce demand for residential programs and affect nonprofits. Noelle highlighted the need for legislative planning, as SUD services have not been included in recent conversations despite their impact. The group agreed to submit comments for the sunset review and discussed ongoing issues with managed care and the procurement process.

HHSC Substance Use Disorder Funding

The group discussed concerns about HHSC's approach to funding and contracting for substance use disorder treatment services. Noelle highlighted issues with alignment between TDI and HHSC standards of care, particularly for private pay patients. Deirdre and Bill raised concerns about HHSC's piecemeal approach to treatment, noting that outpatient services are being prioritized over residential care despite evidence of their effectiveness. Carrie shared information about higher rates for residential treatment services under VA and private insurance, which could be useful for negotiating rates with private payers. The group also discussed HHSC's current rate evaluation audit, which is gathering basic information about staffing and services.