In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need for funding to secure a placement for a conservatee, referred to as Mr. BB, who has been incarcerated for three years and suffers from dementia. The proposal seeks approval for a one-time payment of up to $30,000 from general funds to cover his care at a private facility, which is currently the only option available due to his unique circumstances and history.

Mr. Grog and Ms. Walker Coleman presented the case, highlighting that Mr. BB's incarceration is largely due to the lack of suitable care options. They emphasized the pressing need to transition him from jail to a facility that can provide the necessary support, as the jail environment is inadequate for his health needs.

The discussion revealed complexities surrounding Mr. BB's access to Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. Although recent changes allow for Medi-Cal activation 30 days prior to release from incarceration, the lack of a confirmed release date complicates matters. Officials noted that without a placement, Mr. BB cannot be released, creating a cycle of delay that prolongs his incarceration.

The financial implications were also a focal point of the discussion. Continued incarceration costs approximately $70,000 to $80,000 annually, while the proposed care arrangement would total $30,000 for six months. However, the facility identified does not accept Medi-Cal, meaning that the requested funds would not be reimbursed through the program. The board members expressed concerns about the long-term financial management of Mr. BB's care and the potential need for additional funding if his stay exceeds the initial allocation.

The meeting concluded with a call for public input, underscoring the community's interest in ensuring that vulnerable individuals like Mr. BB receive the care they need while navigating the complexities of the healthcare and legal systems. The board is expected to make a decision on the funding request in the coming days, as the urgency of Mr. BB's situation remains a priority.