Sponsor: Social Services
Title
title
Proposed Mental Health Client Fee Schedule
end
Recommendation
recommendation
Approve the proposed changes to the Mental Health Division client fee schedule.
end
Background and Rationale
body
On December 21, 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the 2022-23 biennial and fee schedule, which includes the mental health client fee schedule. The clinical revenue team recently performed a clinic review of all their billing practices and discovered that several revenue generating services were not represented on approved 2022-23 the client fee schedule and that the current fee schedule does not encompass all new and existing services provided to residents in the Mental Health division. An update of the mental health client fee schedule has not been completed since 2012.
The attached updated scheduled has removed all past client fees, input current procedural terminology (CPT) codes and charge descriptions such as Crisis intervention services, partial hospitalization program (PHP) services, therapy, and other mental health services. In an effort to be in compliance with the local and federal guidelines, The Social Services Department is seeking approval of the updated comprehensive client fee schedule from the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. In addition, previous client fees were adjusted to an appropriate level based on market rate to ensure that clients are not overcharged for the services they receive.
Ramsey County mental health services helps support residents and improve the emotional well-being and their development of relationships with family, friends, and their ability to get along with others and function effectively at home, in school and in the community.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
About 60% of the client serviced by the Mental Health division are from racially and ethnically diverse communities. Of the total clinical services population, approximately 40% of clients are self-pay status, which means that they are uninsured and pay out of pocket for the services received. Clients are on a sliding fee scale and are charged based on their ability to pay. Pricing of mental health services, and medications are set at an appropriate level to ensure that clients are not overcharged for services received.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The proposed fee changes reflect the Mental Health division’s commitment to treat clients fairly and charge appropriately for the services provided to residents. The division presents suggested fee changes to the Adult Mental Health Community Advisory Council (AMHCAC). The AMHCAC is a council, which consists of Ramsey County residents and providers that aims to advise the Health and Wellness Service Team leadership on policies, programs, and initiatives that impact residents throughout Ramsey County.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
These proposed fees will accurately reflect the current services being provided by the Mental Health division to community and future revenues will be reflected in the future budgets. The previous client fees were adjusted and will increase revenue by allowing for additional mental health services to be billed for. Social Services expects the proposed fees to be effective immediately upon board approval and moving forward the client service fees will be reviewed annually.
Currently, Ramsey County’s approved comprehensive fee schedule shows the Mental Health division as having a total of 15 services available for charges. This proposal will have a total of 119 services available for charges. The proposed fees were developed based on a mix of cost-based and market-based pricing. The projected annually revenue collected from service fees could be up to $1.6 million.
Last Previous Action
On December 21, 2021, the Ramsey County Board approved the 2022-23 biennial budget and fee schedule (B2021-293).
Attachments
1. Updated Client Fee Schedule