Update
There are increasing calls for integrating substance abuse and mental health with primary care. In a recent article, Jeffery Buck, senior advisor for behavioral health at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, concludes that the provisions of the Affordable Health Care Act and other recent legislative changes will transform public substance abuse and mental health treatment in the United States. Additionally it will increase the funding, expand access to care and better integrate it with other health services. Other conclusions offered by Buck include:
- Provisions of health reform will affect the substance abuse treatment system service delivery along with possible effects of on financing, structure and delivery of services. Also, insurance coverage for people with substance abuse disorders, the types and characteristics of service providers and state administration of these services will be affected.
- Over the next 10 years, the system for delivering substance abuse treatment will become increasingly professionalized, less residential and more outpatient-focused.
- Providers need to prepare to meet the requirements of mainstream health care financing and management by increasing their administrative and infrastructure support.
- Non-specialty providers, in particular federally qualified health centers, will receive a large boost in federal funding and will probably assume a greater role in substance abuse treatment, as will physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners and other health professionals.
- Health information technology will become more prominent.
- New incentives under health reform will also encourage the use of evidence-based practices and the integration of substance abuse treatment with general medical treatment.
Citation: Buck, J. (2011). The Looming Expansion and Transformation of Public Substance Abuse Treatment Under The Affordable Act.
Health Affairs, vol. 30, no.9, September 2011.
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What's Next Meetings, workshops and webinars will be scheduled throughout the current fiscal year to address issues of importance to providers regarding the integration of substance abuse and mental health with primary care. Upcoming topics include: Emerging Trends |
Your Ideas We want to hear from you! Your feedback, suggestions and ideas are valuable to the process improvement initiative! As a way to provide on-going communication, we want your feedback, suggestions and ideas. There is a place to input your questions and feedback provided below. We'll be responding to your questions and comments in future e-Communications.
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For more information, contact Anika Foster at afoster@fadaa.org or call 850-878-2196.
or contact Sheila Barbee at Sheila_Barbee@dcf.state.fl.us or call 850-717-4400.
