Title
a. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) retroactive to July 1, 2023, for the transfer of public funds, for the County of Monterey’s nonfederal share of Medi-Cal payments via a Manual Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT), including checks and Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs), for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Payment Reform for the term beginning July 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not significantly alter the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION;
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) retroactive to July 1, 2023, for the transfer of public funds, for the County of Monterey’s nonfederal share of Medi-Cal payments via a Manual Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT), including checks and Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs), for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Payment Reform for the term beginning July 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Act requires the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to implement Behavioral Health Payment Reform no sooner than July 1, 2022. As a component of Behavioral Health Payment Reform, DHCS is required to design and implement an Intergovernmental Transfer-based (IGT) payment methodology to replace the existing certified public expenditure-based reimbursement methodology for Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS), Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services (SUD), Expanded Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, and for costs incurred by counties to administer those benefits.
Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN) 23-026 provides details on the implementation of IGTs. In order for the County of Monterey to participate and invoice DHCS for SMHS services provided to Medi-Cal recipients, DHCS requires the execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Transfer of Public Funds between the County and DHCS. This Agreement is being presented late to the Board of Supervisors for approval due to delays by DHCS in releasing the Agreement template, prolonged consultation with the DHCS and County Auditor-Controller’s Office to ensure the necessary financial structure was established to facilitate the efficient flow of funds, and for tracking and reporting purposes.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-22 strategic plan initiative;
3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health
services. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services, specifically; 7. Link
people to needed personal health services and assure the provisions of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel-Risk Management has reviewed and approved as to legal form.
FINANCING:
There is no impact on the General Fund from the approval of this action. This Intergovernmental Agreement will allow the County of Monterey to participate in the IGT process, and the associated revenues and expenditures are included in the Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau’s (HEA012, Unit 8410) Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☒Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Fabricio Chombo, Finance Manager, 755-4578
Approved by:
______________________________ Date:____________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachment(s):
Attachment A, BHIN 23-026
Attachment B, SMHS Intergovernmental Agreement 22-20118