June 22, 2026 CMH Finance Committee

The June 22, 2026 meeting of the Ottawa County Community Mental Health (CMH) Finance Committee focused extensively on financial oversight related to Medicaid spend downs, budget deficits, and service contracts. The committee reviewed detailed dashboards tracking Medicaid eligibility and spend down impacts, highlighting the financial risk to the general fund when consumers do not meet Medicaid spend downs. They discussed the challenges of billing Medicaid retroactively and the importance of meeting spend downs to secure Medicaid as the primary payer. The committee also received updates on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program, authority transition plans, and ongoing budget deficit reduction efforts, including the need for advocacy with the regional entity and state to address underfunding and rate adjustments for residential care providers. Several contract renewals and new service contracts were approved, including extensions for IT data transition services and new providers for community living supports and specialized residential care. The financial report showed client care expenses exceeding budget projections, underscoring the urgency of addressing funding shortfalls. A motion was passed authorizing the CEO to formally request the regional entity to address funding and rate issues. Public comments emphasized the complexity of care needs and the importance of a needs-based funding model. Overall, the meeting centered on managing Medicaid-related financial risks, contract approvals, and strategic advocacy to secure adequate funding for mental health services in Ottawa County.