Study Underscores Challenges of Integrating Physical, Behavioral Health in Medicaid

February 1

Since integrating physical and behavioral health into its managed Medicaid program beginning in 2016, the state of Washington has not seen significant changes in utilization, quality measures or health outcomes, according to a recent JAMA Health Forum study. Experts tell AIS Health, a division of MMIT, that the study illustrates the challenges associated with integrating behavioral and physical health care that may not be fully apparent until the process begins.

K. John McConnell, Ph.D., the study’s lead author, tells AIS Health that Washington is just one of many states that in recent years have moved away from so-called carve-out models in Medicaid, where one health plan handles physical health and a separate behavioral health organization manages behavioral health. Most states now have carve-in designs where states contract with managed care organizations (MCOs) that are responsible for payment for all health care services for their members.

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Tim Casey

Tim has been a reporter and editor for newspapers, websites and magazines for more than 20 years, including 10 years covering health care business topics. He has a deep knowledge of the managed care industry and pharmacy benefit management. He also has experience covering medical conferences and clinical and legislative health care issues. In 2014, the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing selected Tim as one of 15 journalists to participate in a national symposium on the Affordable Care Act. Tim has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University.