Behavioral Health updates: mobile crisis funding risk, opioid settlement projects, CalAIM housing supports
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Summary
Lake County Behavioral Health reported potential state budget changes that could shift mobile crisis costs to counties, outlined opioid settlement‑funded projects including a 16‑bed ASAM facility and youth intensive outpatient program, discussed repayment of intergovernmental loans, and said it plans to opt into CalAIM transitional housing supports.
Lake County Behavioral Health Director Elise Jones briefed supervisors on Jan. 27 on a range of program and fiscal matters, including a state budget proposal that would reduce the state share for mobile crisis services and shift more cost to counties.
Jones said mobile crisis services are presently paid by state and federal Medicaid funding with no local share; the proposed budget change would create a county exposure that could force reductions in services. She described the county’s ongoing work to track the fiscal effect and urged board support for protecting the benefit (the board later approved a letter).
Jones highlighted opioid settlement fund projects moving forward: a planned 16‑bed mental health rehabilitation/ASAM facility (properties purchased; plans drawn; awaiting permitting), a youth intensive outpatient treatment program expected to launch within months and billable under DMC‑ODS, and recovery housing options. She praised local partners — including Kanakitai Native Wellness — and said some projects are in the permitting or invoicing stage.
On finance, Jones said the department borrowed funds in prior years from county reserves and intergovernmental transfers to sustain services, has repaid some loans and still has approximately $2 million outstanding to be repaid. She said the department shortened accounts receivable and prioritized Medicaid billable services to improve cash flow. Jones also noted work on CalAIM housing supports (transitional housing deposits and rent assistance) and the department’s plan to opt into that benefit and finalize a contract with Partnership Health Plan.
Jones discussed Senate Bill 43 implementation (expanding conservatorship to some people with substance use disorder) and the challenge of finding placements and beds for those covered by the new law. She said the department is coordinating with local hospitals and the Public Guardian to minimize emergency room boarding and develop protocols.