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Idaho officials defend delayed behavioral health contract, seek federal access and transfer exemptions
Summary
Department of Health and Welfare leaders told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan went live in July 2024 after legal delays; the department requested one-time federal authority to access Go‑Live grants and asked for transfer‑exemption authority for 2025 and 2026.
Alex Adams, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 24 that the state's Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) went live in July 2024 after contract delays, including legal challenges, and the department is requesting additional appropriation authority to access federal grants tied to the go‑live period.
The department asked the committee to approve a one‑time federal appropriation of about $6.7 million to allow the state to draw down federal grants issued around IBHP’s launch. Agency staff also described an ongoing federal enhancement request of roughly $261,400 for operating expenditures tied to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants. Director Adams and Legislative Services analyst Alex Williamson said the original appropriation…
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