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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-2024 Health & Human Services Minutes Health and Human Services Board Minutes July 17, 2024 5:00 PM St. Croix County Government Center - Room 1284 Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin Call to Order Health and Human Services (HHS) Board Chair Greg Tellijohn called the July 17, 2024 meeting of the HHS Board to order at approximately 5:00 PM. Roll Call PRESENT: Mike Barcalow, Kathleen Findlay, Cathy Leaf, Lisa Lind, Deb Lindemann, Dave Ostness, Julie Smith, Greg Tellijohn ABSENT: Shawn Anderson Others in Attendance: HHS Director Bob Rohret, HHS Deputy Director Shar Lopez, County Administrator Ken Witt, Public Information Officer Adam Kastonek, Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Administrator Kristin Newton Approval of Minutes Health and Human Services Board Chair Greg Tellijohn asked the Board after reviewing the minutes from the June 19, 2024, HHS Board meeting if any editing was needed. With nothing noted, the minutes were accepted as submitted. Minutes were accepted as presented. 1. Minutes of Previous Meeting June 19, 2024 Public Comment Health and Human Services Board Chair Greg Tellijohn opened the meeting for public comment on items on or off the agenda. No public comment tonight. Business 1. Health and Human Services Financial Report for June 2024 Fiscal Manager Fay Strenke reviewed the financial reports with the HHS Board. Strenke informed that the financials in the packet are through June 2024, and shared that the 2023 audit is just getting finalized, so will likely see some changes, particularly in the revenues, as journal entries are made to move some payments received in 2024 back into 2023. The federal payments shown are ARPA payments, which happen quarterly, and will match the expenses once they are recorded. Some other areas that appear over budget (e.g., "professional development), may be offset by grants that cover training expenses. At the Health Care Campus (HCC), supplemental money was budgeted, but the state is no longer paying supplemental funds and instead will adjust the Medicaid rate. The auditor is currently reviewing the Medicaid rates, and once completed, the adjustments will be made to this report. The census has been steady, and they are showing a positive balance. There is no depreciation listed yet, but at this point the HCC could cover some of the depreciation as well as their operating expenses. Questions asked and answered. 2. Review of Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Services and Programs Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Administrator Kristin Newton reviewed a PowerPoint with the HHS Board that included an overview of the services and programs provided by the ADRC to support the aging population (60+) as well as persons with disabilities (18+). There are local offices in every county, with no income or asset limits that prevent access to the ADRC, though some programs are income or needs - based. The goal is always to maintain independence for consumers in their home and community, but also prevent more costly long-term care. To contact the ADRC or to make a referral, call 715-381-4360 or email adrcinfo@sccwi.gov. HHS Director Rohret Bob shared that in the 2025 budget there are requests for 2 new positions within the ADRC as the aging population and service demands continue to increase. Positions requested correlate with areas of the ADRC where demands are greatest and expected to continue trending upward. Discussion had, questions answered, and board comments shared. 3. Legislative Update Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Bob Rohret informed the HHS Board of the Wisconsin Counties Association's behavioral health legislative priorities and also reviewed two Bills passed last session. Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) legislative agenda is again mental health focused, as it was last year, with mixed results. State funding for crisis services and early intervention for those with serious mental illness is limited, placing a greater cost burden on counties. Funding for community - based, early intervention services, can prevent high-cost placements and result in better outcomes for the person. In 2021, HHS used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to create upstream positions like co-responders, Peer Support Specialist, Community Case Managers, and the Withdrawal Management project with Western WI Health, which have had an impact on reducing costs and improving outcomes, but the funding is time-limited. The WCA is asking for funds to cover the federal share of Medicaid costs that counties pay and to help offset the uninsured costs that counties incur. This is a continuation from last legislative session. WI Act 249 - Crisis urgent care and observation facilities, was passed in the last legislative session. This is an Act allocating 10 million dollars for start-up and development of regional Crisis Urgent Care and Observation Facilities in Wisconsin, with priority given to the Western region of the state. This Act requires DHS to write rule language, and HHS Director Rohret may be able to serve on an advisory committee to assist. DHS will then put out an RFP for entities to apply for the funding. Drafting rule language will take time to write, possibly 1-2 years. Act 177 was also approved last session, which requires DHS to apply for a federal waiver to allow Medicaid spending in IMD settings, which are typically mental health or addiction treatment facilities with more than 15 beds. This waiver could help counties reduce expenses when placing clients in high-cost, IMD settings. Receiving approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) may also take 1-2 years. Request for Future Agenda Items Health and Human Services Board Chair Greg Tellijohn asked the HHS Board members if there are any requests for future agenda items. Board Members are encouraged to contact HHS Director Rohret or HHS Board Chair Tellijohn if items arise. No agenda items were noted by the HHS Board, though Chair Tellijohn suggested the HHS Board meet at and tour St. Croix County Services Center (SCCSC) in New Richmond in August. More information to come on that. Announcements Health and Human Services Board Chair Greg Tellijohn asked for announcements for tonight. HHS Director Rohret informed that the Public Health Community Health Needs Assessment is available for residents to take out on the county website, so please spread the word. Date of Next Meeting 1. Date of Next Meeting - August 21, 2024 Adjournment Health and Human Services Board Chair Greg Tellijohn called this July 17, 2024 meeting of the HHS Board adjourned at approximately 6:05 PM.