As we continue to learn more about the administration’s budget proposal, the more concerned we become. While overall ODMH and ODADAS were allowed to increase their GRF a little, the funds available after the agencies hold money off the top to cover Medicaid, results in yet another devastating decrease in community behavioral health funding.

• ODMH’s proposed allocations to boards represent 70% of what boards have to spend on non-Medicaid eligible clients and services in SFY 11. So once again while the state department did see an increase (necessary to fund Medicaid) the local communities will receive a 30% reduction, which will means still fewer individuals (particularly the working poor and indigent who are not eligible for Medicaid) will receive the mental health services they so dearly need.

• ODADAS has not yet indicated how it will distribute their (yet undetermined) treatment dollars left after covering the Medicaid match. What we do know is that after covering the increased Medicaid match there will be a significant loss of purchasing power available to treat non-Medicaid individuals (approximately 2/3 of the alcohol and other drug population we serve) and to provide non-Medicaid eligible services and supports to those who are Medicaid eligible. What we do know, is that in real dollars ODADAS is short at least $11.5 Million over last year, in funds available to come to the community.

In addition to the losses in the ODADAS and ODMH budgets, in the budget as proposed Boards face additional cuts in financial assistance with the loss of the Tangible Personal Property Tax reimbursement, which impact local levies. While the details necessary to understand the exact losses the behavioral health system will incur are unknown at this time, the Administration proposed significant changes and reductions to the reimbursements Boards receive due to the loss of TPP. Statewide, boards now provide 1/3 of all funds spent on behavioral health in Ohio.

Since the budget is presently in the House contact your State Representative and let them know that this level of funding is unacceptable, and we need their help. Last biennium, local communities took cuts of 35% from ODMH and 30% from ODADAS; these additional cuts will further decimate the community behavioral system leaving thousands of Ohioans in need of treatment services in a world of hurt.  You can find your state Representative by clicking here.

Have a great week!

Cheri L. Walter
Chief Executive Officer