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Supervisors press staff on IHSS exposure to state May Revise and hours allocations
Summary
Board members questioned county staff about how the governor’s May Revise and proposed state changes could shift costs to counties and about efforts to align IHSS hour allocations to state averages; staff said IHSS is largely formula driven and noted county averages exceed statewide averages in hours per client.
Supervisors used detailed questioning May 12 to press county staff on how potential changes in the state May Revise could affect the In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) budget.
County staff and supervisors agreed the IHSS program is largely statutory and formula driven, meaning state changes can mandate increased county general‑fund contributions. Staff emphasized the county’s recommended budget already anticipates an increased general‑fund contribution for IHSS and that the program’s structural relationship with the state constrains discretionary options.
Supervisors asked for a clearer explanation of how county assessments of ‘allocated hours’ are made, noting county allocations for hours per client are above the statewide average. Staff described a quality‑assurance approach—reassessing cases and aligning hours with documented need under state regulations—and said their review is meant to ensure individuals who qualify get required hours while identifying cases where hours may be reduced because clients have improved.
Board members requested follow‑up materials, including the methodology for proposed staffing or hours reviews, the estimated budget impact of a range of state scenarios and projected general‑fund exposure should the May Revise reduce state support. Staff agreed to provide timely updates as the state budget process unfolds and to share operational plans for reassessment protocols.
Ending: County staff committed to brief the board on specific scenarios from the May Revise and on planned case‑review metrics before final budget decisions in June.
