Virtual Panel: Successful Strategies in Behavioral Health Integration

Part V of the Medicaid Managed Care Webinar Series – Innovations in Medicaid with Support from The MolinaCares Accord.

The need and demand for behavioral health services continues to rise across the country. The ability for families, providers and payers to connect to the full range of care and respond effectively is critical. A fully integrated model that includes behavioral and physical health coverage can empower states, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and providers to holistically meet the needs of beneficiaries. This webinar highlighted the state of Washington’s framework to integrate behavioral health from the policy, payer, and provider perspectives. Speakers shared key strategies to address operational and structural challenges for integration, how partnerships between the state, MCOs and providers can be leveraged to implement the model, and the benefits of “carving in” behavioral health services. The webinar also provided an overview of the programs and services launched as a result of integrating behavioral health services and lessons learned.

Our panel was facilitated by Tom Betlach, a Partner of Speire Healthcare Strategies and featured Jason McGill, Assistant Director of Medicaid Program Operations and Integrity, Washington State Health Care Authority; Drew Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Excelsior Wellness; and Dr. Sasha Waring, Behavioral Health Medical Director, Molina Healthcare.