A chemical dependency pilot project to help counties better manage resources was approved April 2 by the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee.
HF2069, sponsored by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), would establish a “state-county chemical health care pilot project” to redesign the state and county relationship in delivering chemical dependency services more cost effectively.
The counties would have authority to design and operate a new service delivery model. They would also develop binding agreements with the Human Services Department to clarify performance outcomes.
The department would be required to report to the Legislature by Jan. 15, 2011, on the effectiveness of the project.
The bill now awaits action by the House Health Care and Human Services Finance Division. A companion, SF1766, sponsored by Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont), was laid over April 1 by the Senate Health and Human Services Budget Division.
Kelly Harder, Steele County human services director, said the proposal would benefit the system with more flexibility and integrate resources with primary and mental health systems to save money. He said it could answer the question of “How do we bring the right amount of chemical health care home to the right person in the right amount of time?”
“This is exactly where we should be going,” said Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), adding that consolidating state and county functions would improve the system.
Bob Melson, past president for the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health, questioned the bill’s necessity, saying counties can currently contract any service that is needed. He said changes in eligibility and maintenance of effort would help deliver services more efficiently.
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009