Cass County urges state to release behavioral-health funds; commissioners pass resolution R6-2025

The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution R6-2025 urging the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to pass through already‑appropriated funds to community behavioral‑health providers, following a presentation describing significant statewide shortfalls that county officials say could interrupt services.

John Bridal, a speaker representing local behavioral‑health services, told the board the region faces a shortfall caused by state under‑distribution of appropriated funds. “Last year, they failed to distribute $163,000,000 of their appropriation,” Bridal said. “This year it’s estimated they will fail to distribute $287,000,000. If we run out of funding, we stop services to people that it’s an entitlement for — federally funded, medically necessary services.”

Why it matters: Commissioners and the presenter said the shortfall is largely a cash‑flow and distribution issue — not a change in mandates — and that delayed or incomplete pass‑throughs from the state can force local providers to delay payments, lay off staff or, in worst cases, suspend services for people in residential or inpatient care.

Bridal said last fiscal year the local provider was short about $4 million and had to wait until April for full funding. He said autism provider rates adopted by the Legislature — a $66 per hour increase — were only partially funded in the March pass‑through (he said the region received $36 per hour), and that eight of 10 state regions face funding gaps. "We still have to provide the services. Otherwise we'll be in violation of state law," he said.

Commissioners asked about contingency plans and consequences. Bridal described several stopgap measures he has sought: rent deferrals from landlords, regional advance requests, possible staff reductions, and delayed claims payments that could stretch payments from 30 days to 60–90 days. He warned that providers unable to operate on delayed payments could stop services to clients.

Commissioner discussion included reports of recent outreach to state lawmakers. One commissioner said she had met with state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey and other officials and encouraged continued, frequent contact with legislators; Bridal said he has been reaching out to representatives, senators and agency directors for months and had testified before a House subcommittee.

The board’s resolution, as approved, urges prompt distribution of funds from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to ensure continuity of Medicaid‑funded behavioral‑health services across the state and in the county. The motion passed on a roll call recorded as: Commissioner Bryce — Yes; Commissioner Barrera — Yes; Commissioner Marchetti — Yes; Commissioner Lee — Yes; Commissioner Langley — Yes; Commissioner Lawrence — Yes; Commissioner Northrop — Yes; Chair Jones — Yes.

The resolution is an expression of the county’s position and asks state officials to accelerate or complete pass‑throughs so local providers can meet payroll and pay claims on time; it does not itself change local funding or provider operations.

Board action and next steps: The resolution passed unanimously. Commissioners and Bridal said they will continue outreach to state lawmakers and to regional authorities to seek advances or timely distribution. The presenter said local contingency measures could shift payments to longer terms and that providers and clients would be at risk if the state does not act.

Ending: The board closed discussion and moved on to other agenda items after the vote. The resolution does not itself appropriate county dollars and does not amend any county policy; it is a formal appeal to state officials to carry out the Legislature’s appropriations in full and on time.