Title
Renewal agreement with Sedgwick County and Behavioral Link.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign.
Background: Behavioral Link provides a variety of services for youths with a serious emotional disturbance (SED) who are referred to them by COMCARE. They provide important services that include psychosocial rehabilitation, attendant care and respite care. Services are only provided with authorization from COMCARE through the youth's treatment plan and must target one of the treatment goals identified in the plan.
This renewal agreement outlines the program goals and expectations of services as required by Medicaid regulations to qualify as reimbursable services. Payments to Behavioral Link are funded through Medicaid revenue and are only made after a review of service transactions and documentation ensures compliance with all regulations. The compensation cap was lowered to $1,750,000.00 this year to more closely match the level of actual payments in the last two years.
Alternatives: The agreement may not be approved. The services this contractor provides helps reduce the risk that youths with SED will need psychiatric hospitalization or placement into a more restrictive level of care due to their mental illness or behavior. Without these agreements, youths with SED may have delayed and/or decreased access to the services needed to keep them living successfully in the community.
Financial Considerations:
Cost: $1,750,000.00
Funding Source: 310646-14 Medicaid Pass Through
Term: 01/01/14-12/31/14
Legal Considerations: The authority for this action is K.S.A. 19-101, and a simple majority vote is required.
Policy Considerations: All Sedgwick County policies were followed in the development of this renewal agreement.