The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an updated model aimed at improving the quality of care for individuals living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders who are covered by Medicaid and Medicare. This initiative is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and promotes the development of health information technology through infrastructure initiatives.
Xavier Becerra, Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated, "The Biden-Harris Administration is proud of the work we’ve done to change the way mental health is treated in this country. We released a new behavioral health model to help states advance this goal, in line with @POTUS’ Unity Agenda priority to tackle the mental health crisis."
According to an HHS report, the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) model will be verified by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMS Innovation Center). The report suggests that community-based behavioral health practices will integrate behavioral and physical health through interprofessional care teams to spearhead actions related to behavioral health integration.
Becerra further elaborated on the initiative saying, "I am proud of all the work we have done to change the way mental health is treated in this country for the better. This new behavioral health model released today will help states to advance this goal, in line with the President’s Unity Agenda priority to tackle the mental health crisis." He added that "The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to explore innovative ways to help people with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorder. Put simply, mental health is health—and by expanding access to high-quality care that people need, we are changing lives."
According to a news release, this model aims at bridging gaps within physical and behavioral health by providing care to patients irrespective of their entry point into the program. This approach could also reduce overall program costs. Health care providers participating in this program will be incentivized to screen, assess and coordinate between individuals’ physical and mental health needs.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said, "Addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis remains a key priority for CMS. Through this model, CMS will support behavioral health practices to provide integrated care and help meet people’s behavioral and physical health and health-related social needs, like housing, food, and transportation, all of which can negatively impact a person’s ability to manage their care."
