Document Type
Policy Advocacy Brief
Publication Date
3-2017
Issue Statement/Executive Summary
In Minnesota, behavioral health homes have become an efficient resource for individuals on Medical Assistance to receive integrated behavioral and primary health care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The rising popularity of behavioral health homes in Minnesota introduced the concept of integrated medical care with a patient's primary care physician as the "home-base". Figure 1 illustrates the integrated approach that supports the patient and their family, provides care that covers an entire continuum of care with a comprehensive care team focused on the whole person, is accessible with short waiting times, and is committed to quality and safety. Evidence shows that implementing integrated healthcare delivery systems leads to better patient health outcomes. Individuals living in rural communities face additional barriers to accessing healthcare and experience higher mortality rates. With Minnesota's large rural population, the implementation of behavioral health homes in rural communities could help improve overall health outcomes for Minnesotans. The goal of expanding behavioral health homes is to improve health outcomes, individual experiences, quality of life, and reduce health care costs. These goals align with those identified by the Governor's Task Force on Mental Health.
Department
Social Work
Recommended Citation
Jacobson, L.,. Lidstrom, N., Lipovetz, J., & Schuller, J. (2017). Creating healthy communities across Minnesota: Investing in integrated health care. MSW Program Policy Briefs, Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/msw-student-policy-advocacy-briefs/3
Included in
Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Social Work Commons
