CMS model seeks to integrate behavioral health

This fall, CMS will launch an Innovation in Behavioral Health model for adult Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The agency will select up to eight states to participate in the eight-year program, which seeks to improve the integration of physical, behavioral and social services to improve patient outcomes and reduce emergency department visits. Participating community mental health centers, opioid treatment programs, safety net providers and other practices will receive funding to implement the model. The money can be used for upgrading health IT and electronic health records, staffing and initiatives to transform practice. CMS will release a funding opportunity this spring; a fact sheet and FAQs are available now. (CMS news release, 1/18/24)