Washington's Budget
Washington’s economy withstood the national and international recession for some time last year. But in November of 2008, our state revenues were pushed off a cliff. The Legislative session earlier this year was the worst in terms of the budget that anyone can remember. We needed to close a $9 billion gap.
We froze the pay of our school teachers and state employees. If a program wasn’t using all its funds, we took the balance. We tapped some of our rainy day fund. We got a big boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided about $3 billion to shore up our programs. To close the remaining gap, about $3.3 billion, we had to cut in every service area.
Unfortunately, the trends for the state’s finances continue to head in the wrong direction. The last two revenue forecasts were negative, and it looks like the November forecast will also be down. Our caseloads and costs are up. The state is now facing a new shortfall estimated at around $1.7 billion that must be closed in the 2010 supplemental budget the Governor will propose in December.
In order to help Washingtonians understand the problem we are facing, the Governor’s Office and the Office of Financial Management have prepared a presentation explaining how we have reached this point. Click here to view the presentation.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Autism Insurance Reform SB5203/HB1210 (Shayan’s Law)
Washington has Full Mental Health Parity and laws requiring home healthcare to protect the
insured from institutionalization. Yet individuals with autism are falling through the cracks.
Evidence based treatment based on national standards are denied by all WA insurance
carriers & deemed “educational, experimental and habilitative”, subsequently a highly
treatable medical condition is becoming a lifelong debilitating disorder that forces children into
fully staffed facilities and residential habilitative centers at up to $240,000 per year, per 1
child.
What is covered under Shayan’s Law
Insurance Carriers: fully funded private health insurers & public employees plans
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or psychologist.
Treatment for ASD
o Determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist
o Habilitative and Rehabilitative therapies
o Psychiatric and Psychological care (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
o Pharmacy care: medications for co-occurring medical issues such as major
digestion-system difficulties and seizure disorders, ADHD and anxiety).
Limits of Coverage: Same as WA mental health parity.
Cost savings & new jobs created for every one child with autism
DSHS/DDD annual expenditure on Autism: 60 million dollars, $54,174,532 on direct
medical expenses. GAO report indicates 18% have private insurance. When private
insurance becomes primary payer, the state would save $11,308,389 per biennium including
benefits paid for state employees. New jobs created by Autism Insurance Reform: For
every one child who gets autism benefits there will be 1 new behavior therapist position that is
created, potentially 2400 new jobs.
Companies with Autism Insurance Benefits
Self Insured employers in WA State, including Microsoft, Home Depot, AOL and Boing
as well as Active Military offer Autism benefits & coverage of evidence based treatments.
Data on Best Practices
Washington Institute of Public Policy's published report, Oct. 2009-Intensive behavioral
intervention based Applied Behavior Analysis.
National Autism Center "National Standards Project" Sept. 2009, “11 “Established”
Treatments: The overwhelming majority of these interventions were developed in the
behavioral literature (Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral psychology, and positive behavior
support)."
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) The Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Research Council, and
other prominent groups list ABA-based interventions among the most recommended
treatment for ASD.
Contact: Arzu Forough Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Visit our website: www.WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
insured from institutionalization. Yet individuals with autism are falling through the cracks.
Evidence based treatment based on national standards are denied by all WA insurance
carriers & deemed “educational, experimental and habilitative”, subsequently a highly
treatable medical condition is becoming a lifelong debilitating disorder that forces children into
fully staffed facilities and residential habilitative centers at up to $240,000 per year, per 1
child.
What is covered under Shayan’s Law
Insurance Carriers: fully funded private health insurers & public employees plans
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or psychologist.
Treatment for ASD
o Determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist
o Habilitative and Rehabilitative therapies
o Psychiatric and Psychological care (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
o Pharmacy care: medications for co-occurring medical issues such as major
digestion-system difficulties and seizure disorders, ADHD and anxiety).
Limits of Coverage: Same as WA mental health parity.
Cost savings & new jobs created for every one child with autism
DSHS/DDD annual expenditure on Autism: 60 million dollars, $54,174,532 on direct
medical expenses. GAO report indicates 18% have private insurance. When private
insurance becomes primary payer, the state would save $11,308,389 per biennium including
benefits paid for state employees. New jobs created by Autism Insurance Reform: For
every one child who gets autism benefits there will be 1 new behavior therapist position that is
created, potentially 2400 new jobs.
Companies with Autism Insurance Benefits
Self Insured employers in WA State, including Microsoft, Home Depot, AOL and Boing
as well as Active Military offer Autism benefits & coverage of evidence based treatments.
Data on Best Practices
Washington Institute of Public Policy's published report, Oct. 2009-Intensive behavioral
intervention based Applied Behavior Analysis.
National Autism Center "National Standards Project" Sept. 2009, “11 “Established”
Treatments: The overwhelming majority of these interventions were developed in the
behavioral literature (Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral psychology, and positive behavior
support)."
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) The Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Research Council, and
other prominent groups list ABA-based interventions among the most recommended
treatment for ASD.
Contact: Arzu Forough Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Visit our website: www.WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Final report delivered on facilities recommendations
Final report delivered on facilities recommendations
Report to be transmitted to governor, Legislature
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —Nov. 4, 2009
OLYMPIA – Consultant Christopher Murray & Associates delivered its final report to the Office of Financial Management about which state facilities could be closed or consolidated. The Legislature directed OFM in the state operating budget (House Bill 1244) to hire a contractor to provide recommendations for closing or consolidating institutions in the Department of Corrections, and in the Department of Social and Health Services’ Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration and Division of Developmental Disabilities programs.
The legislation requires the report to recommend reducing 1,580 beds in DOC, 235 beds in JRA and 250 beds in DDD. These reductions were to consider capital costs, economic impacts on communities, impacts on facility staff, projected savings and availability of alternative services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Savings were assumed in the 2009–11 budget of $12 million for DOC and $12 million for JRA for closures. No savings were included in the budget for residential habilitation center beds in DDD.
With its delivery to the governor, the recommendations will be taken under advisement by OFM as it builds the governor’s 2010 supplemental budget, which will be released in December.
The consultant’s final report recommendations are virtually the same as those delivered in the draft report, with the exception of a new option for the Department of Corrections. Summaries of the recommendations, by agency, are as follows:
Department of Corrections
Option 1:
If capital funding is not available to construct new housing units at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, the consultant’s recommendation is to:
§ downsize McNeil Island Corrections Center to a minimum-security facility (from 1,250 to 512 beds);
§ close the Ahtanum View Corrections Center in (120 beds) Yakima and relocate offenders to Monroe Correctional Complex; and
§ close one living unit at the Larch Corrections Center (240 beds) near Vancouver for six years.
Under this option, all of Larch Corrections Center in Yacolt and two close/medium custody units at the Penitentiary could be closed if changes are made to state sentencing policy.
OR
Option 2:
If option 1 is not selected and capital funding is available for new construction at the Washington State Penitentiary, the consultant’s recommendation is to:
§ close the old Main Institution (the original prison behind the concrete walls, but not any of the additions, including North Close, the intensive management unit, the minimum-security unit and administration buildings) at the Penitentiary in Walla Walla (850 beds);
§ open a minimum-security living unit at the Penitentiary (240 beds);
§ close the Ahtanum View Corrections Center (120 beds) and relocate offenders to Monroe Correctional Complex; and
§ close one living unit at the Larch Corrections Center (240 beds) near Vancouver for two years.
Under this option, three close/medium custody units at the Penitentiary could be closed if changes are made to state sentencing policy.
OR
Option 3:
This is the consultant’s preferred recommendation. Under this option, if $41 million in capital funds are available for new housing units at the Washington State Penitentiary, it is recommended that Option 1 be taken while facilities are constructed in Walla Walla.
Once the new housing units are built at the Penitentiary (projected completion by 2015), McNeil Island is reopened as a medium-security facility and the Main Institution at the Penitentiary is closed. The consultant estimates that this option would save the state $180 million in operating costs and $80 million in capital expenditures over the next 10 years.
Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (essentially same as delivered in the draft report)
§ Close Maple Lane School in Rochester, which would result in the proviso-mandated reduction of 235 beds.
Developmental Disabilities Division (residential rehabilitation centers) (essentially same as delivered in the draft report)
§ Close all beds for intermediate-care facilities at all facilities over an eight-year period.
§ Close, in phases, Francis Haddon Morgan Center in Bremerton by 2013.
§ Close, in phases, Rainier School in Buckley by 2017.
§ Keep open Fircrest, Lakeland Village and Yakima Valley with a small number of skilled nursing facility beds.
The budget proviso requiring the study did not identify a savings target for the 250-bed reduction in the residential habilitation centers, which would be achieved by 2013. The consultant’s recommendations would cost the state in the first year of implementation before savings begin.
Residents from the closed facilities would be moved into either smaller state-run facilities or private community-care settings. The aim of the recommendation, though not required in the budget proviso, is to close all residential habilitation centers within an eight-year period, except for the skilled nursing facility beds.
The final report, with accompanying fiscal analyses, is posted in three parts, one for each subject area, on OFM’s Web site at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/.
Christopher Murray & Associates of Olympia was selected as the primary contractor following a competitive bidding process conducted in the spring. The contract totaled $463,000; OFM was appropriated $500,000 to contract for the study.
Contact: Kate Lykins Brown, Office of Financial Management, 360-902-0619
http://www.ofm.wa.gov/news/release/2009/091104.asp
Report to be transmitted to governor, Legislature
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —Nov. 4, 2009
OLYMPIA – Consultant Christopher Murray & Associates delivered its final report to the Office of Financial Management about which state facilities could be closed or consolidated. The Legislature directed OFM in the state operating budget (House Bill 1244) to hire a contractor to provide recommendations for closing or consolidating institutions in the Department of Corrections, and in the Department of Social and Health Services’ Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration and Division of Developmental Disabilities programs.
The legislation requires the report to recommend reducing 1,580 beds in DOC, 235 beds in JRA and 250 beds in DDD. These reductions were to consider capital costs, economic impacts on communities, impacts on facility staff, projected savings and availability of alternative services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Savings were assumed in the 2009–11 budget of $12 million for DOC and $12 million for JRA for closures. No savings were included in the budget for residential habilitation center beds in DDD.
With its delivery to the governor, the recommendations will be taken under advisement by OFM as it builds the governor’s 2010 supplemental budget, which will be released in December.
The consultant’s final report recommendations are virtually the same as those delivered in the draft report, with the exception of a new option for the Department of Corrections. Summaries of the recommendations, by agency, are as follows:
Department of Corrections
Option 1:
If capital funding is not available to construct new housing units at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, the consultant’s recommendation is to:
§ downsize McNeil Island Corrections Center to a minimum-security facility (from 1,250 to 512 beds);
§ close the Ahtanum View Corrections Center in (120 beds) Yakima and relocate offenders to Monroe Correctional Complex; and
§ close one living unit at the Larch Corrections Center (240 beds) near Vancouver for six years.
Under this option, all of Larch Corrections Center in Yacolt and two close/medium custody units at the Penitentiary could be closed if changes are made to state sentencing policy.
OR
Option 2:
If option 1 is not selected and capital funding is available for new construction at the Washington State Penitentiary, the consultant’s recommendation is to:
§ close the old Main Institution (the original prison behind the concrete walls, but not any of the additions, including North Close, the intensive management unit, the minimum-security unit and administration buildings) at the Penitentiary in Walla Walla (850 beds);
§ open a minimum-security living unit at the Penitentiary (240 beds);
§ close the Ahtanum View Corrections Center (120 beds) and relocate offenders to Monroe Correctional Complex; and
§ close one living unit at the Larch Corrections Center (240 beds) near Vancouver for two years.
Under this option, three close/medium custody units at the Penitentiary could be closed if changes are made to state sentencing policy.
OR
Option 3:
This is the consultant’s preferred recommendation. Under this option, if $41 million in capital funds are available for new housing units at the Washington State Penitentiary, it is recommended that Option 1 be taken while facilities are constructed in Walla Walla.
Once the new housing units are built at the Penitentiary (projected completion by 2015), McNeil Island is reopened as a medium-security facility and the Main Institution at the Penitentiary is closed. The consultant estimates that this option would save the state $180 million in operating costs and $80 million in capital expenditures over the next 10 years.
Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (essentially same as delivered in the draft report)
§ Close Maple Lane School in Rochester, which would result in the proviso-mandated reduction of 235 beds.
Developmental Disabilities Division (residential rehabilitation centers) (essentially same as delivered in the draft report)
§ Close all beds for intermediate-care facilities at all facilities over an eight-year period.
§ Close, in phases, Francis Haddon Morgan Center in Bremerton by 2013.
§ Close, in phases, Rainier School in Buckley by 2017.
§ Keep open Fircrest, Lakeland Village and Yakima Valley with a small number of skilled nursing facility beds.
The budget proviso requiring the study did not identify a savings target for the 250-bed reduction in the residential habilitation centers, which would be achieved by 2013. The consultant’s recommendations would cost the state in the first year of implementation before savings begin.
Residents from the closed facilities would be moved into either smaller state-run facilities or private community-care settings. The aim of the recommendation, though not required in the budget proviso, is to close all residential habilitation centers within an eight-year period, except for the skilled nursing facility beds.
The final report, with accompanying fiscal analyses, is posted in three parts, one for each subject area, on OFM’s Web site at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/.
Christopher Murray & Associates of Olympia was selected as the primary contractor following a competitive bidding process conducted in the spring. The contract totaled $463,000; OFM was appropriated $500,000 to contract for the study.
Contact: Kate Lykins Brown, Office of Financial Management, 360-902-0619
http://www.ofm.wa.gov/news/release/2009/091104.asp
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Family Caregivers
Family caregivers provide nearly $8 billion annually in unpaid services Governor proclaims November as Family Caregiver Month
OLYMPIA -- More than 600,000 unpaid family members care for an adult and approximately 66,000 kinship caregivers are raising a child whose parents are unable to do so. Chances are you know someone who is a caregiver.
To recognize the value of unpaid family caregivers, Gov. Chris Gregoire proclaimed November as Family Caregiver Month.
"During November and throughout the year, we want to get the word out that these unsung heroes are not alone and many resources are available to help with their important care-giving roles," said Kathy Leitch, assistant secretary of DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration. "Please help us in sharing the important information below."
If you are a caregiver or know someone who is:
Visit the Web site and find invaluable links to care-giving information and resources (articles, tips, shortcuts, free publications) on topics that address caregivers' unique needs, questions and challenges. Grandparents and other relatives raising children should visit here to learn about related resources and services.
There are knowledgeable and caring people at your local Family Caregiver Support Program to help talk through specific issues and offer practical care-giving information, resources and suggestions and connect caregivers to services. Find the local Family Caregiver Support Program
OLYMPIA -- More than 600,000 unpaid family members care for an adult and approximately 66,000 kinship caregivers are raising a child whose parents are unable to do so. Chances are you know someone who is a caregiver.
To recognize the value of unpaid family caregivers, Gov. Chris Gregoire proclaimed November as Family Caregiver Month.
"During November and throughout the year, we want to get the word out that these unsung heroes are not alone and many resources are available to help with their important care-giving roles," said Kathy Leitch, assistant secretary of DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration. "Please help us in sharing the important information below."
If you are a caregiver or know someone who is:
Visit the Web site and find invaluable links to care-giving information and resources (articles, tips, shortcuts, free publications) on topics that address caregivers' unique needs, questions and challenges. Grandparents and other relatives raising children should visit here to learn about related resources and services.
There are knowledgeable and caring people at your local Family Caregiver Support Program to help talk through specific issues and offer practical care-giving information, resources and suggestions and connect caregivers to services. Find the local Family Caregiver Support Program
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