The Butler County Commissioners are voicing their support for one state bill, and distaste in another, regarding two separate issues both dealing with providing human services.
The board announced Wednesday they are planning to travel to the state capital to oppose House Bill 335, which proposes integrating behavioral and physical health services in the Medicaid program.
A lawmaker in York County has proposed the bill, in part to save money, but the Butler commissioners believe it would do just the opposite- and hurt some of the county’s most vulnerable residents in the long-run.
“If this goes forward, it would set us back 25 years,” Leslie Osche, chairwoman of the board, said Wednesday.
The board explained the county has been very successful over the past 20 years partnering with other counties in the region to built a managed-care model for behavioral health. The model allows Butler County to invest in programs including opioid recovery and working with law enforcement on interview for mental health issues.
There is a “major movement,” according to the board, by other counties in the state to oppose this bill.
The commissioners are also voicing their support of Senate Bill 390, which the Butler board says would delay “11th hour” state legislation that would revamp the medical assistance transportation system, which is now handled by counties and regions, to utilize a statewide broker.
Currently, Butler County rides are shared with other agencies.
“When you separate these, it makes the financial model nonfunctional because you can’t combine services,” Osche said.
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