The MDCH Budget was signed by Governor Engler after approval in the
legislative conference committee.  Two key priorities of the Council, funds
for elementary school health programs, and 0-3 Secondary Prevention, were
vetoed.  Below please find a summary of areas of priority for our Board of
Directors.

I. Infant Mortality Summit

Our language adopted in the House requiring an Infant Mortality Summit was
accepted (Interested Parties should communicate to Doug Peterson 517-335-8928 their interest in being involved in planning efforts). $2.5 Million for St.John's Hospital Infant Mortality Initiative.

II. School Health

Approved language adding $1.5 million for Elementary School Health services
adopted (based on match). This means that a new initiative is being launched
with a total value of over $3 million. (Vetoed by Gov. Engler)

Senate language urging MDCH to adopt a state-wide policy accepting local
match from educational institutions and their health partners for school health services was adopted. (We will follow up to get a planning meeting scheduled).

III. 0-3 Funds

1 million was restored to DCH budget for this program with boiler plate
naming the CLCF as the lead agent, in collaboration with ED & FIA. However,
Two million dollars in education is proposed to be cut! (Vetoed by Gov. Engler.  Education money was not restored either)

IV. Dental Health Pilot Expansion

• Money was removed but language ordering the department to proceed on expansion if revenues become available was added, thereby establishing a priority.

V. EPSDT

• EPSDT reporting and Pilot projects with local health and managed care were approved.

VI. Mental Health (Joan Abbey & Michele)

• Here is an update on the status of our issues as they came out of the DCH conference committee on 6/28/01.
• We need to thank the conferees for their inclusion of Section 426 language, restoring respite funds, and we need to encourage funding of dental services. An interesting precedent that is set in the DCH budget is Section 1125, it allows schools to provide the local/state match for Medicaid to fund school health clinics. (see above)
• Section 224. Appropriates GF/GP funding to DCH if the state realizes more revenue than anticipated at the May 2001 revenue conference, this funding is to restore services that were cut or eliminated, and to increase payment rates up to 2% for Medicaid and other providers of direct services.
• Section 404 (1) (h) Requires the Department to report by May 31, 2002 on breakdown of clients served by diagnosis, by CMHSPs. 
• Section 404 (1) (k) Requires the Department to report by May 31, 2002 on contracts for mental health services entered into by CMHSPs with providers.
• Section 413 Requires the Department to report on the methodology used and the adjustments made in recalculating the capitation rates payable to CMHSPs and other managing entities by October 10, 2001.
• Section 416 (4) requires the Department to request supplemental funding if expenditures for Medicaid mental health services and Medicaid substance abuse services exceed Part 1 appropriations due to an increase in the number or mix of Medicaid eligibles.
• Section 419, Allows CSAs funded through CMHSPs to carry forward up to 5% of its revenue.
• Section 426 Requires the Department to report on mental health services assigned to referred by the courts and "found to meet CMHSP clinical and financial eligibility determination requirements."
• Section 430 Permits the local CMHSPs to include a contract provision with local providers that allows the providers to carry forward up to 5% of un-obligated capitation payments from the funds appropriated for community mental health non-Medicaid services.
• Section 432 Provides that it is the Legislature's intent that all CMHSPs establish regular ongoing discussions with local providers of mental health services, substance abuse services, and services to persons with developmental disabilities in preparation for the competitive procurement of these services.
• Section 1121 Funds Children's respite services at continuation levels of $249,900.
• Funding of the prevention line item was not restored.

VII. Other

• $200,000 SIDS initiative Restored (St. Johns)
• $450,000 new funding for Fetal Infant Mortality work project
• $850,000 increase for pregnancy prevention activities
• $200,000 allocated for fetal alcohol syndrome education and outreach
• $8,488,700 approved for EPSDT/MSS/ISS outreach, education and endorsement to local health (this was supposed to be cut by 1 million)