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Benton County to use $4.2M 1115 waiver funds for jail opioid treatment; board authorizes MCO agreements
Summary
Commissioners authorized the chief of corrections to electronically execute managed-care organization agreements after staff said the county was awarded about $4.2 million from the Washington Health Care Authority under an 1115 waiver for opioid addiction treatment for adult and juvenile facilities.
Benton County commissioners on May 12 approved authorizing the chief of corrections to electronically sign managed-care organization (MCO) agreements and related documents to implement an 1115 waiver program at the county jail and juvenile detention center.
Lieutenant Shelton told the board the county applied for the Washington Health Care Authority’s opioid-treatment grant under the 1115 waiver and "we've been able to use to offset and increase cost of medical services" with an award of approximately $4,200,000. Shelton said the award has funded medical services, facility and IT upgrades at both adult and juvenile facilities, and that roughly $300,000 more remained possible pending the July 1 go-live.
Shelton and staff described the need to develop MOUs with managed-care organizations so the county can bill for medical services through those organizations. A commissioner moved to allow the chief of corrections to electronically execute the MCO agreements and any additional documents necessary for the 1115 waiver program; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
The board and staff characterized the grant as a substantive financial resource for treatment services and cost offset at correctional facilities. The motion gives the chief of corrections authority to finalize required agreements; staff will proceed to execute MOUs and report back as required.
