Ah understood!
Following that discussion then as well!
We are an outlier here in Illinois. We have over $5 billion in our bill backlog and borrowed over $2 billion from the federal municipal fund to pay for operations in our current budget. There is strong downward pressure from our Governor and Comptroller to devote the significant amount of the $7 billion our state is getting into paying off borrowing and paying down our backlog - it is hard to argue on that logic.
However - we do join IABH, CBHA, and ICOY (local Illinois trades) in advancing multiyear rate adjustments for Medicaid behavioral health services and would likely hope that is part of the sausage making in our legislature - even recognizing these are 'one time' funds.
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Josh Evans
President/CEO
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
Springfield IL
217-725-7859
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2021 10:34
From: Holly McCorkle
Subject: American Rescue Plan State Relief $$ Proposals
Thanks Josh! Glad someone else is interested!
Let me clarify: I am open to suggestions for Block Grant dollars but was specifically asking about ARP dollars coming directly to states to distribute. In the first round of dollars that came to our state, we were able to get reimbursements for PPE and other COVID relates expenses. My thinking is the money coming directly to states will be less restrictive than the increase in block grant dollar and therefore, we are thinking about requesting $$ for hazard pay and bonuses from the State Relief Dollars--not block grant dollars.
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Holly McCorkle
Executive Director
Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards
Montgomery AL
2059992420
Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2021 08:21
From: Josh Evans
Subject: American Rescue Plan State Relief $$ Proposals
Good Morning:
We are more clear on the I/DD side and less on the BH side. We are still trying to figure out what is allowable for BH in the ARP as our DMH (I think) is still waiting on SAMSHA guidance for the December relief package.
Following this thread for sure!
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Josh Evans
President/CEO
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
Springfield IL
217-725-7859
Original Message:
Sent: 03-12-2021 15:32
From: Holly McCorkle
Subject: American Rescue Plan State Relief $$ Proposals
We started internal meetings today to discuss proposals for state relief dollars and potential proposals related to mental health. We are going to request reimbursement for hazard pay, one-time bonuses for provider employees and potentially some technology investments. That being said, I wanted to reach out to see if anyone else is already working on this and potential proposals beyond the obvious ones I laid out. We feel that must go ahead and start scheduling meetings with policy makers ASAP to get our foot in the door. I appreciate any ideas or feedback!
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Holly McCorkle
Executive Director
Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards
Montgomery AL
2059992420
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