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County staff ask commissioners to use millage reserve to bridge Maddie’s Place funding shortfall while state Medicaid decision is pending
Summary
Spokane County staff requested a one‑year increase in county millage support to Maddie’s Place after the state reduced operating funding; staff said the county would use reserve millage dollars to prevent a reduction in services while awaiting HCA/Medicaid policy decisions on coverage for neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment.
Justin briefed the board on a county request to increase Spokane County’s ongoing contribution to Maddie’s Place to offset state funding reductions for operations. Justin said the county has historically supported Maddie’s Place with ongoing millage dollars (operations) in addition to one‑time MOPIA funds for housing, and described the state’s partial restoration of funds after legislative action but an overall shortfall that still leaves the facility underfunded.
Staff presented a proposal to increase the county millage contribution for one year to bridge the shortfall while the county and Maddie’s Place continue to pursue Medicaid/HCA coverage for neonatal abstinence syndrome services. Justin said the county’s millage reserves can absorb the additional amount without affecting ongoing county DD and mental‑health commitments, and staff would reassess funding if Medicaid begins to provide ongoing reimbursement.
Justin said anticipated city one‑time funding to the county to support Maddie’s Place administration is delayed; the city expects to forward an interlocal agreement in July for those dollars. Commissioners asked about timing of HCA decisions on Medicaid coverage for neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment. Justin summarized the state and federal context: federally the service is covered, and other states provide Medicaid reimbursement for similar facilities, but Washington HCA must create an appropriate service code, rate and licensing approach before widespread coverage is possible. Staff described advocacy efforts and possible legislative follow‑up if state decisions are not forthcoming.
Noted numeric and textual ambiguities: during the briefing staff cited numbers for existing and proposed millage amounts but the transcript contains inconsistent phrasing and figures; staff told the board the requested additional county contribution for the coming year would be limited and that the county would re‑evaluate if Medicaid coverage is approved.
Why it matters: Maddie’s Place provides specialized neonatal care and operations cuts could reduce county residents’ access to care; the county’s one‑year bridge would preserve services while policy and Medicaid coverage are pursued.
