The Department of Health (DOH) will have focus and oversight on health care services, payment, and public health, as well as more time to work with all stakeholders to improve and implement innovation for the single largest budget item in the state, Medicaid. The Divisions of Behavioral Health, Health Care Services, and Senior and Disability Services, provide regulatory oversight, claims processing, facility licensing and the enforcing of Medicaid and state regulations.
The Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS) will have an aligned focus of supporting and improving our child welfare system and our facilities that serve Alaskans around the clock. DFCS divisions provide 24/7 care for specific populations and are in the role of a direct care provider. For example, Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) and the Alaska Pioneer Homes (AKPH) provide care for patients and elders, and when eligible can bill Medicaid for the services provided – in much the same way that hospitals and clinics work. The involvement of Health Care Services (HCS) is to process those claims to Medicaid, the same as they would for any other provider in the state.
The Alaskans that we serve deserve this attention. By narrowing the span of control, by aligning the divisions, and focusing on long-term system improvements and stakeholder engagement, will allow us the opportunity to work better for Alaskans. The leadership of each department will be able to focus on work processes, maximizing efficiencies, and incorporating innovative ideas, with the mission of improving outcomes for the Alaskans that we serve.
