State Medicaid Agencies can capitalize on a new, evidence-based opportunity to design better behavioral health systems.

The Opportunity

The US is facing a behavioral health (BH) crisis. CMS identifies coordination as a weak point that, if effectively addressed, may improve the underlying issues. Eight states will be awarded funding of up to $7.5M over eight years to enhance planned or existing infrastructure. This funding represents a small part of the value inherent in this opportunity, with greater impact possible from early adoption of a system-changing model (including enhanced Medicare reimbursement and better outcomes).

Focus areas include:

1. Payer alignment
2. Technology enhancement
3. BH-primary care integration
4. Value-based reimbursement
5. Better payment structures for the dually eligible

How A&M Can Help

In this article, Managing Director Michael Heifetz, Senior Director Jay Nagy and Director Mathew Smith outline how A&M can help State Medicaid Agencies design and implement new, evidence-based opportunities like Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model. They discuss the value inherent in the CMS funding opportunity to enhance planned or existing infrastructure and the potential impact of early adoption of a system-changing model, including enhanced Medicare reimbursement and better outcomes.