Examining the Connection Between Physical and Behavioral Health Providers
When it comes to improving the health of individuals in our region, coordination between industries and organizations is essential. It is nearly impossible to help our community members develop "whole-person wellness" without collaboration. There is often a disconnect between different services and resources, making it difficult for someone to access the wrap-around support they need.
The Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) is changing that. MTP funds Accountable Communities of Health to build relationships that break down barriers to whole-person health, including helping industries become better connected. One example of this collaboration at work is the Washington Integrated Care Assessment. This assessment is designed to better understand, and improve, the integration of primary care and behavioral health across Washington State.
This assessment explores how physical health and behavioral health providers already work together, and what improvements can be made. ACH organizations worked together to launch the Washington Integrated Care Assessment for its first group of providers in April 2022. This group is made up of physicians and behavioral health providers. By bringing this group together, the WA-ICA is researching valuable questions including:
What does it mean to be integrated (what does the connection between physical and behavioral health look like)?
What providers are integrated and at what levels?
Where are we now – statewide benchmark?
What is needed to support providers in advancing integration?
How do we track integration improvements over time (in practices, regional and statewide)?
How do we link the level of integration to patient outcomes?
The WA-ICA is a great example of the work being done through the Medicaid Transformation Project. Through efforts like these, we can build bridges between services, helping people access all the resources they need to live their healthiest lives possible.
MTP Public Comment Period
MTP, which has laid the groundwork for projects like the WA-ICA, is scheduled to end in December 2022. With how helpful the program has been, the Health Care Authority (HCA) is applying to renew the project. If approved, this would fund the project through 2027. The renewal focuses on three important areas:
Expand coverage and access to care. This ensures people can get the care they need.
Advance whole-person care in important areas. This includes primary, preventative, home, and community-based care.
Accelerate care delivery and payment innovation. This would be focused on health-related social needs.
The project renewal, if approved, would allow SWACH to continue building these valuable partnerships. It would help us center our community’s needs, and help people access care. The HCA is asking for feedback currently on the renewal through the public comment period. This is a chance for individuals to shape the future of MTP.
We want your feedback in this process. By participating in the public comment period, you can help us advocate for regional needs. We have the opportunity to improve our community through the next MTP waiver.
The HCA makes it easy to participate in this process. You can participate in different ways, including:
Mailing letters to the HCA
Or sharing feedback with SWACH.
Complete details about the public comment period are available on the HCA website. Learn more about SWACH’s involvement in the public comment period on our website. Specific questions regarding the project or the public comment period can be sent to communications@southwestach.org.