Hot Topics / Priority Issues

NASHP Report: Measuring Physical and Behavioral Health Integration - State Approaches in the Context of VBP

The case for an integrated approach to care—one that can seamlessly and collaboratively address patients’ physical and behavioral health needs—is compelling. Individuals with behavioral health conditions, either a mental health diagnosis, a substance use disorder, or both, are some of the Medicaid’s most costly enrollees.Analyses indicate this subset of high-cost enrollees typically has a complex combination of chronic physical and behavioral health conditions. Comprehensive and effective treatment for this population is challenging, due to siloed systems, access issues in behavioral health, and fee-for-service payment methodologies that do not support the integrated care of people with complex needs. Physical and behavioral health integration as a clinical approach presents an opportunity to promote quality, enhance access, and lower costs. Research indicates that integrated care management strategies such as health homes and evidence-based models such as Collaborative Care can improve outcomes for people with complex, co-morbid physical and behavioral health conditions while potentially reducing costs.

Click here to read full brief.