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DHW director says Idaho Behavioral Health Plan delayed by legal challenges; agency seeks federal access and transfer exemptions

2407170 · January 20, 2025
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Summary

Department of Health and Welfare officials told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan went live in July 2024 after delays, including legal challenges, and the department requested federal appropriation authority and exemptions to statutory transfer limits to manage unexpected costs.

The Department of Health and Welfare told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee Wednesday that delays and legal challenges slowed implementation of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan and that the agency is asking the legislature for authority to access federal grant funds and to relax program transfer limits.

Alex Williamson, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the committee the department requested a fiscal‑year 2025 supplemental of $6,700,000 in one‑time federal funds to support the first year of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan, and an ongoing federal request of $261,400 for operating costs tied to federal grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“I'll be honest…

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