NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act (see Fiscal Impact)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Department of Health (DOH)

No Response Received

Department of Human Services

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill makes an appropriation of $1,250.0 from the general fund to provide for behavioral health programs not provided by Medicaid. Of this amount $750.0 is to CYFD for the purpose of contracting services and programs including intensive outpatient programs, school-based services, outpatient clinics, wrap-around services, mobile crisis teams, early childhood family-based prevention, crisis stabilization, transitional living, transportation and prevention services; and $500.0 is to DOH to contract for services and outpatient programs, outpatient clinics, wrap-around services, mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization, transitional living, transportation, prevention services and consumer-driven services.

Significant Issues

Many of the services listed are being provided by CYFD and DOH through community based contracts. This bill would allow the extension of those services to individuals not covered by Medicaid. CYFD would provide services to children and DOH to adults. The bill, however, does not specify eligibility criteria so the services would be available to all individuals requiring behavioral health treatment. Both CYFD and DOH would expand services through existing programs. DOH expresses that the funds appropriated would quickly be used without some criteria for eligibility.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

For both agencies, one output measure is recommended.

Number of clients provided behavioral health services not funded by Medicaid.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $1,250.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Both CYFD and DOH can manage the program within their existing organizations. CYFD states they need an additional .5 full time employee to administer the program.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The bill should be amended to include eligibility criteria. This probably would be stated as income as a percentage of poverty. For example, families are eligible if their income level is 100 percent of poverty. Without eligibility criteria, services would be provided to all who requesters until funds are expended. Neither CYFD nor DOH provided recommended eligibility criteria.

GAC/prr