Local behavioral‑health provider urges short contract and county pressure after 4,000 denied PacificSource claims
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Summary
BestCare told Crook County commissioners that PacificSource’s contract reconfiguration and claims‑processing errors left 4,000 denials and a recent 10‑week payment halt; BestCare asked the board to support a six‑month contract and pressure PacificSource and OHA for remedies.
Angela, program director for BestCare, told the board that contract negotiations with PacificSource Community Solutions have been fraught with payment delays and system errors that have impaired the community mental‑health program’s cash flow.
Angela said PacificSource placed claims on hold for 10 weeks, then required reconfiguration of a new outpatient contract that should have taken about 48 hours; when payments resumed the system produced roughly 4,000 denials that BestCare characterizes as errors in PacificSource’s system. BestCare has dedicated at least two full‑time staff members in billing who work only PacificSource denials.
BestCare asked commissioners to support three steps: (1) limit any new contract to six months so the county may reassess performance; (2) press PacificSource to include contract language that compensates BestCare for the extra administrative burden (a surcharge or interest payments for claim denials); and (3) urge the Oregon Health Authority to hold PacificSource accountable or consider alternative coordinated care organizations if problems persist.
Board members said they would help draft a letter reiterating concerns and asked BestCare to provide bullet points staff can incorporate into a letter for formal approval at next week’s public meeting. The board agreed to support pursuing a time‑limited contract while evaluating PacificSource’s financials and operational performance.
The work session did not include a formal vote on the county’s position; staff will prepare a draft letter and bring it back for approval.
