Quick recap

This meeting focused on identifying gaps and challenges in substance use disorder treatment services across Texas, as ASAP prepared their legislative agenda and provided input to the state on strategic planning. Participants discussed key barriers including the breakdown in transitions from residential to outpatient care, transportation issues, and the lack of integrated mental health services, particularly following the loss of COPS-D funding. The group explored challenges with telehealth implementation, particularly for state-funded providers, and discussed the difficulty in measuring and proving treatment outcomes that could demonstrate cost savings to legislators. Participants also highlighted the need for better coordination between treatment facilities and recovery support services, as well as the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health disorders, with many organizations reporting that 75% or more of their clients have mental health concerns.

Next steps

• Carmen: Research the possibility of billing for medical visits through the county hospital district or…

Quick recap

The meeting focused on challenges facing behavioral health providers, particularly regarding increased scrutiny from HHSC and funding issues. Providers discussed experiencing more detailed audits and questions about their match reports and in-kind donations, with several organizations reporting difficulties with quarterly reporting processes. The group extensively discussed the decline in residential treatment services, citing low payment rates compared to outpatient services and the closure of detox programs as contributing factors. Providers shared experiences with Medicaid billing challenges, including low payment rates and denial issues, with some organizations achieving only 57% collection rates on billed amounts. The conversation also covered the impact of buprenorphine prescriptions being provided in emergency rooms, which has reduced referrals to residential treatment programs. The conversation ended with a discussion about implementing a new online platform for member communication and feedback collection regarding service gaps and challenges.

Next steps

• Doug: Send out the paragraph from UGAMS…

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…

Meeting summary

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing challenges with HHSC contracts, particularly around CCMS (Case Management Services) implementation and performance measures. Providers raised concerns about the 24-hour waiting period requirement and service termination rules, which were creating operational difficulties. The group also explored questions about Dr. Laguna's sphere of influence and how to effectively engage with HHSC leadership. There was significant discussion about private insurance billing challenges and the need to better understand and navigate Medicaid managed care systems. The conversation concluded with updates about upcoming changes to the billing structure and a reminder about the upcoming general membership meeting.

Next steps

• Anna: Ask Noelle to discuss or provide examples of appropriate topics and her purview for HHSC leadership meetings, potentially at the upcoming general membership meeting or next month's call.

• Anna: Share the previously distributed list of funded providers/contracts with the group again, and share in the…

Meeting summary

Quick recap

The meeting focused on several key topics related to funding and program management in the behavioral health sector. Participants discussed the recent reversal of SAMHSA grant terminations, which had a significant impact on various organizations' funding and operations. They also addressed changes in CMVHS gender classification requirements and their implications for client care and documentation. The group explored strategies for diversifying funding sources and collaborating with other organizations to ensure sustainability. Additionally, they discussed recent changes in contract managers at HHSC and the challenges these changes present for ongoing projects and budgeting. The conversation ended with participants sharing their experiences and concerns about the constantly shifting landscape of behavioral health funding and regulation.

Next steps

• Jennifer: Follow up after the call to locate and forward documentation of the federal approval for the 15% de minimis rate to Doug.

• FiskB: Ask the CFO about documentation or award…

Quick recap

The meeting began with discussions about meeting invite issues and the stress of handling numerous RFAs, with Doug joining the meeting a few minutes late. The group then focused on new contracts for residential service providers and their financial implications, including the need for careful expense accounting and proper documentation systems. The latter part of the meeting covered significant financial challenges and operational updates across facilities, including funding concerns, program cuts, and territorial issues, with participants expressing frustration about lack of transparency from state authorities and the need for legislative involvement.

Next steps

• Noelle to look into why there are multiple meeting invites being sent to participants.

• Noelle to send out a member survey to update profiles and gather feedback on current issues.

• Noelle to bring up questions about contract overages and accounting requirements in the upcoming meeting with HHSC.

Quick recap

The group discussed RFP status and contract awards, including concerns about HHSC's communication and contract alignment issues, particularly regarding de minimis increases and unutilized funds. They reviewed the implementation progress of CCMS for residential programs across different regions, noting various challenges with dropdowns, role definitions, and portal setup. The conversation ended with discussions about funding changes for substance use disorder treatment services, including concerns about new for-profit providers and the impact of funding decisions on existing providers, with an upcoming member meeting planned for November.

Next steps

• Noelle to submit an Open Records request to obtain information about the amounts awarded to treatment providers, including the new provider in Nederland.

• Jennifer to forward the email regarding the denial of the increase from 10% to 15% de minimis to Noelle.

• Jennifer to send Noelle a copy of what HHSC sent for the prevention contracts from their Open Records request.

Quick recap

The team discussed calendar management issues and updates on various ongoing projects including OPEN records requests and collaboration with Dr. Laguna. They addressed challenges with CCMS budgeting and billing, including funding delays and service delivery issues, while also reviewing the process for accessing and managing deliverables in the TRX portal. The group concluded by discussing client satisfaction surveys, survey implementation systems, and upcoming meetings with HHSC regarding regulatory reforms, with concerns raised about the potential for abrupt changes without proper stakeholder input.

Next steps

• Noelle to follow up with Bill regarding the OPEN's records request.

• Noelle to reset all meeting invites after the member meeting to address confusion with multiple invites.

• Noelle to forward the CDTF stakeholder meeting PowerPoint to members who didn't receive it.

Quick recap

The meeting began with casual discussions about media appearances and payment issues related to HHSC billing through Be Well, with the team exploring potential solutions for erratic payment registrations. The group then discussed upcoming conferences and events, including collaboration opportunities and concerns about Region 3's TRA, TRF, TRY conference call. The latter part of the meeting focused on funding allocations, public records requests, and service delivery challenges, with the team expressing concerns about inadequate funding and the need to advocate for rate increases and sustainable service arrangements.

Next steps

• Noelle: Find out who is over QM at HHSC leadership

• Deirdre: Put Melissa Cade in touch with Sean to share QM audit tools

• Heather: Send final LAR submission to Noelle after meeting with lobbyist today

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

• SWagnon: Send email to HHSC (and copy relevant parties) to be added to the CCMS…