Examining Health Care and New York’s transition to Managed Care

In the Spotlight: The transition to Managed Care 

Healthcare redesign continues to be a topic of much discussion, especially as government experts announced on September 3 that national healthcare spending will peak as a result of economic improvements and increased coverage. With the expansion of Medicaid, mental health clinics, now able to treat individuals who were previously unable to access services, have seen a surge of clients.

On January 1, 2015, New York City providers will begin a statewide transition from a fee-for-service model to Managed Care, where healthcare services are integrated to address the high prevalence of clients with comorbid diagnoses and to cut higher costs associated with separate systems of care. Through the implementation of Health and Recovery Plans, the New York State Department of Health will emphasize the importance of behavioral health treatment in promoting overall health. Integrated care focuses on the role of the consumer in determining, along with their providers, courses of treatment, allowing them to better navigate the healthcare system and create space for improved access.

Direct Service Implications

The McSilver Institute is excited to partner with the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene in assisting behavioral health clinics with the transition to managed care. Through the Managed Care Technical Assistance Center (MCTAC), McSilver will aid providers in preparing for the upcoming changes. A series of Medicaid Managed Care kick-off forums in September and October will overview the upcoming transition, lay the groundwork for the technical assistance that will be available, and offer providers the opportunity to raise specific areas with which they are most concerned. For more information, visit www.mctac.org and resources from the New York State Medicaid Redesign Team.

Courtesy of McSilver Institute of Poverty Policy and Research who has kindly given SJS permission to syndicate this piece.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the Policy News Briefs are not necessarily the views of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research or NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. If you have comments or suggestions about this service, contact us at info@mcsilver.org.