Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Behavioral Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local behavioral-health provider warns Medicaid rule changes will tighten eligibility and outlines new workforce grants
Summary
Community Behavioral Health staff told the advisory council that federal changes to Medicaid exceptions will require six-month re‑verification and could reduce coverage, while the agency is rolling out a client portal and pursuing a $100,000 OHA grant to fund clinical supervision and workforce development.
Community Behavioral Health (CBH) representatives told the Clatsop County advisory council that recent federal guidance on Medicaid work requirements will make exceptions harder to secure and will increase administrative burdens for clients and providers.
"We will have to prove that every single individual meets exception requirement on a six‑month, recurring basis," CBH representative Shira said, warning the change could reduce Medicaid enrollment by 2027. She said CBH is working with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to clarify eligibility and enrollment, and that CBH has eight OHP assisters on staff to help people enroll.
Shira also described a newly launched client portal intended to streamline appointment scheduling and telehealth access for clients and reduce administrative work for staff. Brady, who supports CBH's operations, said the portal consolidates appointment reminders and telehealth links into one platform.
On workforce development, Shira said CBH has obtained grants that pay tuition for employees pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees in behavioral health, and that OHA invited CBH to apply for additional funds to support clinical supervision. "We're being asked to apply for a grant, like a $100,000 over the course of 18 months, that we can divvy up to folks who are offering clinical supervision on a contract basis or just put more money in the pockets of our staff who are offering clinical supervision," she said.
Members and providers in the meeting described low Medicare reimbursement rates and insurance billing challenges as reasons some clinicians avoid taking public insurance. Shira said CBH accepts Medicare for some clients but must use other grant dollars to cover services when reimbursement is insufficient.
The council asked staff to consider local advocacy options and align any workforce-focused proposals with the county strategic plan. Commissioner Thompson said the county could leverage existing lobbying relationships and the county's strategic plan to press for changes that make it easier to recruit and retain clinicians.
CBH will continue outreach to clients about federal changes and said it would share the OHA guidance and any local resources it develops to help residents maintain coverage.
