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Lawmakers hear agency explain delays, costs linked to Idaho Behavioral Health Plan and 988 rollout
Summary
Department of Health and Welfare officials told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that legal challenges, contract size and budgeting mismatches delayed the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan rollout and that the department is seeking federal and transfer authority to use available grant funds and manage unforeseen costs.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard Friday that the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) experienced significant implementation delays and legal challenges, and that the Department of Health and Welfare has requested supplemental federal authority and transfer exemptions to access grant funds and cover related costs.
Alex Adams, director of the Department of Health and Welfare, told the committee the IBHP contract was “the largest contract in the history of the state,” and that legal challenges delayed award and implementation. “When things get **** ** in court it delays the ability to implement,” Adams said, adding that once the legal issues were resolved the department prioritized doing the work correctly rather than quickly.
The department and Legislative Services Office analysts described two related budget requests: a one-time federal supplemental of $6,700,000 to allow the agency to access federal grants tied to the IBHP’s delayed “go live,” and an ongoing federal operating increase of $261,400 to cover grant-administered…
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