DBHDS Briefing on Cost Reporting Related to STEP-VA
Background:
DBHDS requested time on 05 MAR 2024 beginning at 1:00 p.m. to talk about next steps in moving toward the CCBHC model, how we can prepare to develop a PPS and how we can better inform ourselves and the General Assembly on the true costs associated with STEP-VA.
The General Assembly has expressed a need to understand the full cost of all of the steps of STEP-VA. It gets mentioned frequently in the Behavioral Health Commission and every year when VACSB and DBHDS develop our budget priorities, we are asked to provide supporting information for our requests. At present, the cost of the steps is tied to the reimbursement rate for the services rather than the true cost to deliver them. In addition, language in the current budget will require DBHDS to report to the House and Senate money committees on the estimated cost of satisfying the unmet need for each of the nine steps of STEP-VA.
DBHDS has been working toward figuring out a method to accurately answer that question, which will both satisfy the General Assembly requirement and prepare us for CCBHC. The goal is to
be able to develop an accurate accounting of the cost for operations as a fully built-out model as opposed to relying on calculations based on the rate and estimated demand for services. DBHDS has determined through its initial contemplation of an appropriate way of developing this accurate accounting that the cost reports derived from the CCBHC model are the best path forward.
Recognizing that going down this road would represent a heavy lift, DBHDS wanted an opportunity to start a conversation with this briefing.