Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Services: Opportunities and Challenges for State Mental Health Authorities  A 53 page January 2005 report (in Adobe Acrobat format) from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Medical Directors Council - "The work group reviewed current literature, consulted with leading researchers and provider organizations that are successfully implementing integration models for “safety net” populations, and shared examples of efforts underway at state and local levels. There is ongoing research regarding the medical cost offsets that may accrue through provision of Behavioral Health (mental health and substance abuse) as well as Behavioral Medicine services to the primary care population, including early screening for and delivery of Substance Abuse (SA) services in Primary Care (PC)—thus, the report generally references Behavioral Health (BH) services rather than solely Mental Health (MH) services. The discussion considered both population-based and person-centered approaches to care. Recognizing that the emphasis and level of activity will vary from state to state, the report focuses separately on the need for overall system coordination, the needs of persons with serious mental illness, and needs of populations served in primary care. The report integrates two conceptual models that assist in thinking about populationbased and systemic responses..."  
  

National Governors Association Analyzes President's Budget, Medicaid Proposals NGA press release at their web site - "President Bush's $2.5 trillion fiscal 2006 budget includes a 1 percent decrease in non-defense discretionary spending less homeland security. The health care changes include a $60 billion reduction in Medicaid spending over 10 years; $16.5 billion Medicaid and SCHIP spending increases; and several health care-related federal tax incentive provisions totaling about $125 billion over 10 years to expand insurance coverage." See also NGA's Analysis of the Proposed FY 2006 Budget (Adobe Acrobat format) and the San Francisco News Chronicle story, Governors Oppose Bush's Medicaid Cuts.