Clay County advocates push for higher reimbursement rates in child mental health services

The Clay County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 6, 2025, highlighted significant challenges and opportunities in the region's mental health and social services landscape. A key focus was the ongoing struggle with low reimbursement rates for agencies serving children and families, particularly those on state-funded insurance programs. This issue has led to high turnover rates among providers, as many are leaving for private practice where they can earn more by serving clients who can pay out-of-pocket or have private insurance.

The Local Advisory Council (LAC) reported that they have successfully engaged the community through monthly networking opportunities and guest speakers, which have increased awareness of available services. Notably, a county in Southern Minnesota reached out to learn from Clay County's active children's Local Interagency Collaboration (LIC), underscoring the county's commitment to serving its youth.

The LAC proposed several action steps to address these challenges, including advocating for increased reimbursement rates to help agencies offer competitive wages and retain staff. They also emphasized the urgent need for adolescent substance abuse treatment options, both inpatient and outpatient, as many children in the community currently lack access to these critical services.

Additionally, the board discussed the importance of improving public transportation to help individuals with transportation barriers access necessary services. Commissioner Orchard noted that many community members miss appointments due to inadequate bus routes and timing, which further complicates their ability to receive care.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among various stakeholders to elevate these issues to state decision-makers. The board expressed a commitment to advocating for necessary changes in legislation and funding to better support the mental health needs of Clay County residents. As the legislative session approaches its end, the urgency for action on these matters remains high, with hopes for positive developments in the near future.