Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Secretary Cansler Gives Official Notice of Dix Closing to Legislature Today

The Education and Health & Human Services Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations ("Gov Opps") met today.  The first agenda item was HHS notice to the legislature of the closure of Dix hospital.  Secretary Cansler gave the committee background information about the budgetary reasons for the closure of the hospital.  Specifically, with no money designated for the continued operation of Dix, DHHS has been forced to pull money designated for community services. Additionally, they have been about $30 mil over budget in the facilities budget. Even though additional beds are opening at Cherry and Broughton, the closure will still result in a net savings of $17 mil.  The plan for closure and official letters will be sent to legislators in next few weeks. The closure also has to go to the Council of State.

There were no questions or comments from the committee members.  When the Committee voted to accept the report and submit it to the full committee, Senators Stevens and Blue voted No.
The Secretary then went on to discuss the HHS budget status.  Of particular note:

• Total HHS budget is 23% state dollars, 77% federal dollars (most need state match or MOE)

• Can’t reduce staffing because we are at the bare minimum in facilities staffing now.  They are implementing technology to better manage facility budgets.

• Outside of state facilities, only 4% of the budget is staffing.  If include facility staffing, still only 7% goes to personnel.

• 86% of budget goes to provision of services.

• 60% of appropriations go to Medicaid. 54% is mandatory services. 17% of optional services goes to children. 29% is adult services (17% of overall budget).

• MH/DD/SAS is 10.76% of the total DHHS budget

• Enrollment growth rate about 4.25%, less than 6% projected (under-budget by about $140 mil, which will offset overspending last year)

• 2014 500-700K in increased Medicaid enrollment

• We will have over one million applicants in 2014 – need to update technology

• There are 14 outstanding State Plan Amendments.

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