Proposed juvenile detention center discussions highlight Medicaid  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The latest discussions on a proposed expansion to Buchanan County's juvenile justice building are centered around Medicaid. 

States have not been able to draw from federal Medicaid funding to treat youth held in local detention centers, but beginning January 2025, states will be required to provide some of these services to youth returning home from incarceration. 

The Buchanan County Commissioners did not believe they had coverage for the juveniles in the detention center after 60 days, but a discussion with representatives from the Missouri Department of Social Services helped clarify the issue Tuesday morning.

"Through this process, we found out that that's not exactly accurate, that there is some coverage that is offered through Medicaid if it's off-site treatment," Eastern District Commissioner Scott Burnham said. "We are still responsible for any onsite treatment."

Burnham wanted to have the coverage questions answered before moving forward with a proposed county project to expand the Judge Frank D. Connett Jr. Juvenile Justice Center. The expansion would increase the number of beds from six to 24.

"There really wouldn't be any reason to look to expand if we couldn't get this thing figured out and covered," he said.

If a youth in the juvenile justice system remains in detention after 60 days, their Medicaid coverage is suspended. Fifth Circuit Chief Juvenile Officer Linda Meyer said this means that Medicaid is not completely terminated.

"If they do have emergent health care needs that require them to go outside of the facility, there is a chance that their Medicaid coverage can be reinstated to pay for those things," she said.

Part of the normal process for the county is completing an application for Medicaid for juveniles to ensure they have coverage.  

After Tuesday's meeting with the Department of Social Services, Meyer now knows it's not necessary to complete a new application.

"It was important for the county to know how we could mitigate those expenses because that type of care can be extremely expensive when they're not covered by Medicaid," she said. "And so we just want to make sure that we have a solid plan in place before we take on more liability."