Behavioral Health – BH-CONNECT

What is BH-CONNECT? #

In 2023, the Californian Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) applied for a new Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration to increase access to and improve mental health services for Medi-Cal members statewide. The demonstration, the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Demonstration, takes advantage of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) 2018 guidance and associated federal funding aimed at improving care for Medi-Cal members living with significant behavioral health needs.

CMS Approval was obtained for January 1, 2025

On December 18, 2024, DHCS announced the approval to proceed granted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirming BH-CONNECT to begin on January 1, 2025:

State secures federal approval and unprecedented support to help Californians with behavioral health challenges | Governor of California

What is HCAI’s Role in BH-CONNECT? #

HCAI will work closely with DHCS and other partners to support workforce training, recruitment and retention of behavioral health care practitioners who serve Medi-Cal and/or uninsured members. HCAI’s goal will be to expand the number of qualified licensed and non-licensed practitioners serving Medi-Cal and uninsured members who are living with or at risk for Behavioral Health (BH) conditions.

HCAI will implement five statewide workforce programs over a five-year period:

1) Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program.
The goal for the MBH-SLRP is to reduce educational debt for behavioral health professionals who commit to serving Medi-Cal members and underserved communities.

2) Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program.

3) Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program.

4) Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Community-Based Provider Training Program.
The MBH-CBPTP is designed to build up the workforce of Alcohol or Other Drug Counselors, Community Health Workers/Promotores/Representatives and Peer Support Specialists. 

5) Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Residency Training Program.
The goal of the MBH-RTP is to increase the availability of General Psychiatrists, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Addiction Psychiatrists and Addiction Medicine Physicians that are trained and serve in Medi-Cal safety net settings.

Read more about the programs HCAI will implement in the Special Terms and Conditions, Section 6.

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