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Board approves $36.9M one‑year bridge to protect behavioral‑health and prevention services
Summary
Alameda County approved a one‑year, $36.9 million bridge package to restore services cut by the MHSA→BHSA transition, using a mix of agency funds, Measure W essential services and Home Together funds; board directed staff to notify providers and return with contract amendments dated July 1.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a one‑year bridge package to shore up community behavioral‑health services disrupted by the state’s shift from MHSA to BHSA funding rules. County health officials described a $36.9 million restoration plan for fiscal year 2026–27 that aims to preserve continuity of care while agencies and providers adapt to new billing and program requirements.
The plan combines $11 million from AC Health internal adjustments, $18 million from the Measure W Essential County Services Fund and $7.8 million from the Home Together Fund to cover the restorations. County Health Director Anika Choudhary said the bridge is a stop‑gap: providers will be required to submit sustainability/off‑ramp plans by the end of the calendar year, and staff will offer technical assistance to help community organizations bill Medi‑Cal where possible.
Why it matters: Providers testified at length during public comment about the risks of losing nonclinical prevention and outreach services when funding rules change. Several UELP (underserved ethnic‑language populations) providers and deaf‑community providers noted that prevention services do not always map neatly to Medi‑Cal billable codes and asked for clarity and transitional support. Choudhary said the county will convene public health and behavioral‑health teams to plan how prevention work can be sustained or transitioned.
Board action and timing: Supervisors Miley and Tam moved and seconded the bridge package; the roll call vote was unanimous. Staff said they will notify affected providers immediately and bring contract amendments to the board in July dated July 1 so payments can flow and service disruptions are minimized.
What’s next: The county flagged the need for continued planning because the restoration is one‑time funding. Supervisors asked for clear public documentation about which programs receive funding and asked staff to consider interim payments while formal contract amendments are completed.
