[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6661598,"mediaKeyId","2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586","parentId",2407303,"title","MDH outlines ASO transition and recoupments; DLS urged restricted release pending report","audioSeconds",832,"startMs",1464000,"endMs",2296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586&start=1464&end=2296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586/thumbnail_1464000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6661598/Maryland/MDH-outlines-ASO-transition-and-recoupments-DLS-urged-restricted-release-pending-report","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661598-c3e7f832019a94a555b42f40dfba3617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206143&Signature=oFDxbVni0A9QsolwdEmgcVP7xA~85AJUvTR23rOvpRHPwoiqhUL8r8NlIp3Eii9EK6W6EfReP~5-fRshKHP5d2BOdVIZ102PyEDnR4wp8RiHWIHdgxGxSJ8OqAoOBDVYcToZjKBh2nDdqXjPu9kMRDblLk~myg-DaO4CLiw9uyZgq3iOE5LHc6cxTqkuHp8Wm36tiqPayGLIBETU8gXDRCNN0SNsLmCxwrtxnDDiUL9TvYGwcEi-7744Ih-EbjMF9UXvIvR60jO0tshZuneq1JLXfeQuyT5hRp8gRbr4fSbGEw89LjkVZ-iyLY1u92CRR8roEwW0PM1KXwML939RbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Appropriations","date","2025-02-26T20:48:51.103Z","article","DLS reviewed the administrative services organization (ASO) transition and provider overpayment recoupments and recommended subcommittee action contingent on receipt of a report, while MDH provided additional documentation and pushed back on some DLS cost comparisons.

DLS presented an exhibit showing that about $300,600,000 had been recouped out of nearly $360,000,000 identified as potential overpayments issued under the prior ASO (Optum) due to estimated payments and technical issues. DLS recommended releasing $250,000 in general funds that had been restricted pending the report on provider reimbursements and the ASO transition, provided the subcommittee raised no objections.

MDH testified that it supported releasing the $250,000 and thanked DLS for the recommendation. MDH said it disputed DLS's analysis that suggested the final six months of Optum’s contract cost nearly the same as a full contract year in fiscal 2024 and asked DLS for clarification; MDH referred the committee to written testimony and invoices for full contract payments to date. MDH also noted the Carillon ASO went live January 1, 2025 and that the fiscal 2025 working appropriation included contract funds for Optum while the Carillon contract for FY25 was budgeted under the Medicaid IT major development project line.

Committee members requested follow‑up details about forgiven versus recouped amounts and the status of referrals to collections; MDH agreed to provide invoices and more detail in written follow‑up. DLS and MDH discussion on recoupments, forgiveness and collections remained a point for follow up; the subcommittee did not take a formal action at the hearing beyond the procedural discussion about releasing restricted funds conditionally.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HHR Committee Session, 2/26/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","DLS reviewed the Optum ASO overpayment recoupment and the transition to the Carillon administrative services organization; DLS recommended releasing restricted funds if the report shows no objections and MDH provided written invoices and asked for clarification on DLS contract cost comparisons.","taxTitle","Health and Social Services Subcommittee, Appropriations Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",78564,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6661603,"Hospitals, advocates push for residential treatment beds as pediatric overstays persist",4919,1103000,6022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586&start=1103&end=6022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586/thumbnail_1103000.jpg","/articles/6661603/Maryland/Hospitals-advocates-push-for-residential-treatment-beds-as-pediatric-overstays-persist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661603-b8df552c4faedcd913f909609f2c6de3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206143&Signature=TyqafpbXrCrmHmuz4lNLRZaUfCEU2ZqTQvPsS0Djav7pdbubbUDFezctBj5XlwwzJDg2MWvmxvYu0wJdG70xpUQ~8icolOzWASBI4fBYQ8SYqJURDn3QzKJxMk3q9QWnIo86RkD-BlDzmy~-WUaSt3lxrLtV4anoAFkFC25HoSikeb2rc2oheNkG~LNtBOkRCoqZcNiuJ-52~R0m0oS78n9HM25PmnlxjRL6u9YJtl1L~YUoyTu9rakvAsM2ehWf-p2JPoW6HXBYn536padwmJyZuoI5O~~-rfAbW6leF9M0RQAC6H33UVpLMCvVAckcPDvcjsjS-NxyLNCrTd3ROw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hospital leaders, providers and advocacy groups told the Health and Social Services Subcommittee that pediatric hospital overstays remain a serious operational and clinical problem and urged the legislature to retain or restore funding that would add residential, pediatric acute and community services to shorten hospital stays.

Jane Krenke of the Maryland Hospital Association summarized state data: as of Feb. 14 there were about 59 children across Maryland identified as hospital overstays (medically cleared for discharge but with no placement); nearly 29% were in emergency departments, roughly 73% were aged 16–17 and about 63% were waiting for a residential treatment center, foster home or group home. Krenke noted the average post‑discharge‑ready inpatient length of stay is about 40 days and cited state efforts—legislation and proposed funding—that seek to expand behavioral health capacity for youth.

Brook Lane CEO Jeff O’Neil described a seven‑bed residential program the hospital has stood up to accept youth from emergency departments; the program includes on‑campus schooling and community passes and, according to Brook Lane, accepts clinically complex patients routed through BHA placements. O’Neil warned that the proposed budget cut converting those dollars to traditional inpatient beds would remove a pathway that helps clear emergency departments and said the program had positive outcomes.

MDH and advocates explained other steps to increase capacity, including the Interagency Hospital Overstay Initiative funding (about $5,000,000 appropriated in FY25 with a planned $1,900,000 withdrawal in the fiscal 2026 proposal), planned creation of additional beds at Brook Lane and other rate increases for EPSDT and school‑based Medicaid billing changes. Multiple witnesses called on the subcommittee not to reduce the interagency overstay funding and to consider repurposing existing reversions or available funds to bring beds online sooner.

No formal appropriation decisions were made during the hearing; witnesses and members asked MDH and DBM to follow up with specific options to accelerate bed openings or reallocate available funds.","Hospital officials, providers and advocates told the subcommittee that many children cleared for discharge remain in emergency and inpatient beds while waiting for residential treatment center placements; speakers urged retaining funding for programs that add targeted beds and community services.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6661608,"MDH outlines AOT and CCBHC planning steps; DLS questions costs and statewide readiness",1030,1276000,2306000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586&start=1276&end=2306","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586/thumbnail_1276000.jpg","/articles/6661608/Maryland/MDH-outlines-AOT-and-CCBHC-planning-steps-DLS-questions-costs-and-statewide-readiness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661608-89b54cb813c7f98bcd09c9aeba78ebe7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206143&Signature=XO89NbheiWFEVs8ACb3V3taSdTjc1hx7-t6KIItTF8R9fuoceuC1t3tXEWU3T0Ro-ayGKzb9uSkP6DeIB~A~UfyLE9kY1ecDac57amJKj7WpUpUSndQHZsBcAs5bEFCbeNuIwz73yHBpl5Zcm~ctSiRe1kRNy0EkIQz9Z~Kxe2rZEG~EYvKrXousmkrOn1jKaOhh27njkYJ7wztqWI9CAxboTdlGFk63VRRP8I6PYoeOcw1QCGcPen0Jc4kjwR2RzKoRkzwK1FJRVvi7y2GxpdopethWn4ea6TpK2iOXqKEqym8MxS7MJ-mzh17FdWj71pp~iMrTpKPnh1ZZlK1x1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland Department of Health officials described preliminary plans to implement Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in jurisdictions that did not elect to run local programs and summarized the state’s interaction with federal CCBHC planning funding.

Naomi Kimura’s DLS analysis set out the statutory requirement that local jurisdictions either implement AOT or allow MDH to operate AOT in their jurisdiction; DLS included the BHA work plan and listed $3,000,000 appropriated in both fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 to develop the program. DLS noted that MDH released an RFP for local spending plans with a January 30, 2025 deadline and reported no jurisdictions submitted plans by that deadline. DLS asked MDH to estimate what percentage of AOT services would be billable to Medicaid and to describe an implementation plan if jurisdictions did not opt in.

Deputy Secretary Alyssa Lord and other MDH staff told the subcommittee the department is planning a statewide MDH‑run AOT program implemented regionally and has hired an AOT director, drafted implementation strategies and examined other states’ approaches. MDH said it cannot at this time produce a firm percentage of AOT services billable to Medicaid because service volumes will vary, but it referred the committee to written responses showing which services are expected to be billable. MDH also said the department plans to draft regulations, a staffing plan and program materials and to increase stakeholder engagement.

On Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), MDH confirmed it received a SAMHSA planning and demonstration award of about $900,000 for FY25 but has not yet accepted or declined the award. MDH cautioned that CCBHC participation carries significant budgetary obligations if the State were to implement benefits statewide; MDH estimated a one‑time implementation cost of about $227,000,000 and referenced other states with different cost experiences.

DLS recommended deleting the 1% provider rate increase and reducing certain general fund appropriations it judged could be billable to Medicaid; MDH acknowledged DLS’ fiscal concerns but urged additional time to evaluate CCBHC costs and noted that CCBHCs already operating in Maryland have increased access.

The subcommittee asked for follow‑up materials on potential fund reallocation options to support statewide AOT implementation and clarification on the planned reversions DLS cited.","The department described plans to implement Assisted Outpatient Treatment for jurisdictions that did not opt in and to consider Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic grants; DLS asked for cost and timeline clarifications and MDH said it will proceed with planning and stakeholder engagement.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6661613,"Advocates and MDH press for secured 988 telecom fee to sustain crisis centers",3549,1210000,4759000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586&start=1210&end=4759","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586/thumbnail_1210000.jpg","/articles/6661613/Maryland/Advocates-and-MDH-press-for-secured-988-telecom-fee-to-sustain-crisis-centers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661613-aaed77fdc6ac2c1af290681d39bcf18d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206144&Signature=AD~eKTovA7CH4DrMALj782WqyXgacr69jY8B98rsW3xycc4TGL6532xxGE8~OUKk3NZic55DjyS2tiADfpTUY4q5DJtEPLh9JCEedV-x5CrJ7bXHhtYnojbO4rISaVYs2AzBTPlOt26h14h~8qz7Id57IAqAZNuSmlfiyCOVH6yT1gTiBTPMrKcB1kl5VxYVQmNWI~cw--GePv9FlzMulYRqxdYrhzC41YjwGguM2xFBZOVQhasG2kI-iQn5lIvLfBooXn1FiHYMjGV5XCNwQnWnOpgmZiJ8d7L9kg76jV4iCD3Ns2SppLD~zxD8Oh7bMsR-e-9iE-2xII2pR1mCGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Advocates and Maryland Department of Health officials urged the Health and Social Services Subcommittee to authorize and protect funding for the 988 crisis line and related mobile crisis services, saying sustained funding is necessary to preserve call center capacity, trained counselors and 24/7 response coverage.

DLS noted that the fiscal 2025 Board of Public Works cost‑containment measures reduced $9,000,000 of the $12,000,000 appropriated from the 988 trust fund; the BRFAA contains a provision that would eliminate the $12,000,000 mandate for the 988 trust fund in fiscal 2025 and also includes competing contingent language affecting the general fund appropriation. DLS reported comptroller estimates of telephone fee revenue at $13,500,000 in fiscal 2025 and $20,670,000 in fiscal 2026. MDH told the subcommittee it anticipates backfilling general fund support for 988 with special funds from the telephone fee and that those special funds will support six call centers and related management activities.

Advocates from Community Behavioral Health Association, On Our Own, EveryMind, Behavioral Health System Baltimore, and provider organizations told the subcommittee the 988 line and mobile response and stabilization services (MRSS) are already diverting people from emergency departments and law enforcement, deescalating crises, and saving lives. Speakers provided concrete examples: a mobile team de‑escalated a case that initially involved law enforcement and allowed a young person to return home safely; peer centers and call centers reported thousands of contacts and increasing demand, including calls about minors.

MDH and the deputy secretary confirmed the department expects the telecom fee revenue to be available in the supplemental budget and urged the subcommittee to authorize expenditure of the fee revenue for 988 operations. Several advocates also asked the subcommittee to preserve a $5,000,000 behavioral health crisis response grant program and a 1% provider rate increase to help stabilize workforce capacity for crisis services.

No formal appropriations action was taken during the hearing; the subcommittee was told the telecom fee revenue will be in the supplemental budget.","Advocates and the Maryland Department of Health urged the subcommittee to authorize spending from the new telephone/telecom fee and preserve funding for 988 call centers and mobile crisis services; MDH indicated the Comptroller estimates the fee will generate revenue and that funds will appear in the supplemental budget.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6661618,"DLS flags shortfalls, recommends cuts and reporting changes in Behavioral Health Administration budget",1446,303000,1749000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586&start=303&end=1749","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2407303-d3315598299596bb315eb1629790b586/thumbnail_303000.jpg","/articles/6661618/Maryland/DLS-flags-shortfalls-recommends-cuts-and-reporting-changes-in-Behavioral-Health-Administration-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661618-175e7cd53f0440fe7aa86c592f83e687/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206144&Signature=AvJMqjrhPW1mFeApPzLI76ODjmLd-wSfC4DU9eXrLQeyjusnkkz~WFLwT-QzGJRUjf5fEvatOirBFbiQrds1s3ABqcYMRPM86tmi9yGonZflUnXF60L~JFgsiWQqRVXSht0ET~1yevM-KxzciVgMgolNi2eurEGZmkqaR9fSfdDLz6Vxfsdo7ANOB3fWufV0PBxledUUr7CFAG9J22iSvl9NL4FjwSUBJDBRgEhURZNJ2qDOVD1QQx7R3lTFxxo-4GG0BfciNqucX0pgF-4Ab5nBxhNdqiFXdOEal6RPMMcXgItYNr60zAO9eIoDOYHM49LiV82JRTOV8FGtJ36vxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) told the Health and Social Services Subcommittee on Appropriations that the fiscal 2026 allowance for the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) increases overall but contains specific areas DLS recommends reducing or clarifying.

DLS analyst Naomi Kimura said the fiscal 2026 allowance includes roughly $3,400,000,000 for vendor/provider reimbursements, an increase of about $83,000,000 over the current year, and highlighted that provider reimbursements represent the largest share of BHA's budget. DLS noted the fiscal 2026 allowance includes $19,500,000 for a 1% provider rate increase across three reimbursement programs but recommended deleting that increase given the State’s fiscal situation. DLS also recommended several targeted reductions, including a $9,000,000 reduction in fiscal 2025 state-funded Medicaid services and a $9,900,000 general-fund reduction tied to investments it judged likely billable to Medicaid.

Kimura summarized DLS’s other concerns: a proposed $149,000,000 deficiency related to a behavioral health Medicaid shortfall in fiscal 2025, planned reversions and withdrawals totaling tens of millions of dollars, limitations in the data available to forecast non‑Medicaid behavioral health programs, and outstanding questions about transfers proposed in the budget reconciliation and financing act (BRFAA). DLS requested annual committee narrative and data from MDH to improve forecasting of utilization and enrollment for non‑Medicaid programs.

Deputy Secretary Alyssa Lord, representing the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), told the subcommittee the department disagrees with some DLS recommendations. Lord said the department still needs state opioid restitution funds (ORF) dollars to cover the state share of services despite CMS waiver approval that allows federal match for MOUD services in correctional settings. On the recommended deletion of the 1% provider rate increase, MDH acknowledged the fiscal pressures but said the Governor’s budget includes the increase to support provider adequacy. MDH also asked the committee to preserve flexibility to realign funding within Medicaid and related programs to avoid halting provider payments should costs exceed projections.

DLS recommended releasing restricted funds tied to the ASO reconciliation report so long as no objections are raised by the subcommittee. MDH responded it supports releasing $250,000 that had been restricted pending the report but disagreed with several DLS proposed restrictions on budget realignments and sought clarification on some DLS contract‑cost calculations.

The subcommittee heard multiple follow‑up questions from members about workforce shortages, forecasting, the accounting of federal and special funds, and the status of several programmatic initiatives. The hearing concluded with a series of advocacy testimonies urging restoration or protection of specific BHA line items, including 988 funding, mobile crisis teams, pediatric crisis services and CCBHC implementation funding.

DLS recommendations and MDH responses remain before the subcommittee; no formal votes were recorded during this hearing.","The Department of Legislative Services presented an analysis of the Behavioral Health Administration budget showing overall growth driven by Medicaid provider reimbursements but recommending several reductions and annual reporting requirements; the Maryland Department of Health responded with clarifications and partial disagreements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MDH outlines ASO transition and recoupments; DLS urged restricted release pending report

Hospitals, advocates push for residential treatment beds as pediatric overstays persist

MDH outlines AOT and CCBHC planning steps; DLS questions costs and statewide readiness

Advocates and MDH press for secured 988 telecom fee to sustain crisis centers

DLS flags shortfalls, recommends cuts and reporting changes in Behavioral Health Administration budget