HB 83 Summary

• Appropriates $186,060,800 for operating expenses and $15,400,000 for capital projects of Alaska's integrated comprehensive mental health program for fiscal year 2009-2010.

• Funds mental health services across multiple state agencies including Health and Social Services ($167.1M), Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority ($2.65M), Corrections ($7.67M), Court System ($1.81M), and others.

• Allocates $120.3M to behavioral health services including Medicaid services, residential treatment, psychiatric emergency services, and programs for seriously mentally ill and emotionally disturbed youth.

• Directs Department of Health and Social Services to pursue Medicaid cost containment initiatives, eliminate quarterly reporting requirements for grants under $50,000, and develop provider rate rebasing recommendations by December 15, 2009.

• Effective July 1, 2009; includes salary and benefit adjustments for state employees and implementation of collective bargaining agreements for fiscal year 2010.