On Wednesday, February 25, 2004, Deputy Secretary Joan Erney presented the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) briefing on the Governor’s Recommended Budget for FY 2004/2005. The OMHSAS budget proposes spending a grand total of $2,607,198, 989 for behavioral health services, compared to an available total of $2,472,547,745 in the current year. The largest increases were seen in the Medical Assistance Capitation and Medical Assistance Fee for Service lines.As previously reported in the PCPA Preliminary Budget Analysis, the proposed changes include:
- 33 additional CHIPP placements, along with continuation of the 33 slots from FY03/04.
- NO cost of living adjustment.
- $4.2 million to establish a sexual predators treatment unit.
- No HealthChoices expansion to the northeast. It should be noted that Deputy Secretary Erney qualified that position by indicating she was still looking at ways to go forward with the behavioral health component of HealthChoices.
- BHSI supplemented with IGT funds funded at the same level as current year (with restoration included) at $64.9M.
- Act 152 also at same level as FY03/04
As with the larger Department of Public Welfare budget, achieving a balanced status is dependent upon “revenue maximization.” This is the process of finding new ways to increase the level of federal participation in the Medical Assistance program. OMHSAS is looking at two strategies to increase federal revenue. The first involves claiming federal reimbursement for Administrative Case Management. The other process is a managed care assessment. Details on both approaches are being developed.
Other highlights can be found in the OMHSAS briefing document. Questions regarding the OMHSAS budget may be directed to Rebecca May Cole or Melissa DiSanto Simmons at the Association.