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Social Services reports Medicaid system changes, Code Blue usage and several contract renewals; approvals delayed by lack of quorum
Summary
Commissioner Don Heran told the Human Services Committee that state Medicaid changes (ABOD implementation) are creating uncertainty and early recertification results are leading to coverage losses; he reported 322 Code Blue nights in January and reviewed several contract renewals and a $25,000 amendment for Accord, with formal approvals deferred.
Don Heran, Allegany County Commissioner of Social Services, told the Human Services Committee on March 19 that staff returned from Albany with "all the bad news" about upcoming Medicaid changes and uncertainty over implementation. He said ABOD is fully implemented and a new Medicaid system will begin next year; early returns indicate many people are failing to meet recertification requirements and will be removed from coverage unless the state provides further direction.
Heran reported Code Blue activity for January included 322 nights of service, with the department housing an average of 10–12 people per night and peaks of 18–20 during a recent cold snap. He also reported planned staffing requests: the Director of Temporary Assistance will retire at the end of April after about 38 years, and requests to fill that post and other positions will be submitted.
The committee heard descriptions of contract renewals and amendments: an annual preventive contract renewal with Hillside for family advocacy and case management; a $30,000 contract supporting the Child Advocacy Center with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office (funded in part through an Office of Children and Family Services stationary grant); and a proposed $25,000 one‑time amendment and budget modification for Accord to provide gap funding (staff said the county could reclaim about $15,500). Staff emphasized making a record that the Accord addition is a one‑time item to avoid automatic renewal.
Heran also reviewed an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office for fraud and abuse work (state and federal funding support discussed) and a $30,000 arrangement with the University of Rochester Medical Center to provide required medical oversight at the Child Advocacy Center after Dr. Coin’s retirement.
No formal approvals were recorded on March 19 because the committee lacked a quorum; staff said they will return these items for votes at the reconvened session.
