Commonwealth Community Health Center officials recently met with Frankfort lawmakers to discuss their programs and encourage investment of state funds. The money would go toward Kentucky’s certified community behavioral health clinics or CCBHCs.
Dana Royse is CEO of New Vista Kentucky, a community health center that runs one of these clinics. She said since the program started in 2022, the clinics have proven to be robust, outcome-driven, and cost effective compared to similar Medicaid services.
“The Kentucky Medicaid CCBHC demonstration with the enhanced match rate ends on December 31st, 2027,” said Royse. In order to continue CBHC services in the next biennium, we estimate that 28 million will be needed to do that statewide. Further, a state plan amendment is needed and requested to continue beyond FY28.”
Officials said these clinics are required to see everyone who has any type of behavioral health need regardless of age, ability to pay or place of residence.
Currently, four certified clinics cover about 57 percent of the state’s population. The $28 million that was requested to keep those programs running could also fund other clinics looking to be certified so that 100 percent of the state’s population is covered.
Jennifer Willis is chief executive officer at Pathways Inc., a community health center serving eastern Kentucky. She said on top of basic appointments, clinics provide transportation for patients, 24-hour mobile crisis teams, outpatient screening, management and referral, specified services for veterans, as well as care coordination.
“Care coordination is a required service for CCBHC but is the driver in better health outcomes and individuals being served and supported. Care coordination is a practice where healthcare providers coordinate care with internal and external providers involved in a person's care,” Willis said.
Willis added the clinics are the cheapest option for patient care 90 percent of the time.