129th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 593 LR 640(01)
Resolve, To Stabilize the Behavioral Health Workforce and Avert More Expensive Treatments
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Sen. Breen of Cumberland
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 Projections  FY 2021-22 Projections  FY 2022-23
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $5,228,227 $5,489,638 $5,489,638 $5,489,638
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $5,228,227 $5,489,638 $5,489,638 $5,489,638
Federal Expenditures Fund $9,507,474 $9,982,848 $9,982,848 $9,982,848
Revenue
Federal Expenditures Fund $9,507,474 $9,982,848 $9,982,848 $9,982,848
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The bill includes General Fund appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services of $5,228,227 in fiscal year 2019-20 and $5,489,638 in fiscal year 2020-21 for an 8% increase to rates for Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 65, Behavioral Health Services. Federal Expenditures Fund allocations are also included for the FMAP match.

A more current estimate would increase the FY 2019-20 General Fund appropriation by $12,498,269 to $17,726,496 and the FY 2020-21 General Fund appropriation by $12,236,858 to $17,726,496. This change was precipitated by PL 2017 c. 460 which increased rates for services in Sections 17, 23 and 65 which are included in the Clinic Upper Payment Limit calculations.  The impact of those increases put the department at or slightly above the amount allowed to be paid by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  As a result, the rate increase in this bill would have to be paid with state general fund money only. Additionally, the original estimate did not include any of the medicaid expansion members. This new estimate assumes the impact of this new population.