Public Health presents at‑home STI testing, Maximus cost‑allocation and district PT contract

Sandra Howard, speaking for the Alabama Department of Public Health, outlined three contracts before the committee. She described an amendment with I‑aware that supplies at‑home sexually transmitted infection testing kits: "individuals go on their website, they request the testing kit. I‑aware sends the package to the individual's home ... and so it's tested and then the department gets the test results," Howard said. The department confirmed that those who test positive are notified and connected to counseling and treatment.

Howard also described a contract with Maximus Services LLC to develop a cost‑allocation plan required by Medicaid. The plan is intended to replace the department's current use of indirect‑cost allocations and comply with Medicaid's request for a more comprehensive approach. "Medicaid is actually requiring the department to have this cost allocation plan," Howard said.

Finally, Howard noted a physical‑therapy services contract for the West Central District covering 11 counties; the presenters did not name the counties during the hearing. Committee members asked for but did not receive county names during the oral presentation.

The committee recorded these items as routine contract presentations and moved on to subsequent agenda items.