Requires DHS to establish two-year Regional Community Behavioral Health Pilot Program.
The expected impact of AB A2860 includes improved access to coordinated care for eligible patients by establishing partnerships among primary care providers and community behavioral health providers. The pilot program is designed to streamline the identification of patients with severe behavioral health disorders and facilitate their transition to appropriate care services. It is anticipated that the program will lead to better patient outcomes through enhanced service navigation, support services, and effective communication among providers across the state.
Assembly Bill A2860 aims to establish a two-year Regional Community Behavioral Health Pilot Program in New Jersey, managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill outlines a framework for improving the coordination of behavioral health and support services to effectively address the needs of individuals with serious behavioral health disorders. This includes the integration of care transition processes and implementing a value-based payment system funded through Medicaid, which will offer quarterly bundled payments to participating managed care organizations and providers based on established criteria.
However, there could be contention surrounding the implementation of this pilot program, particularly concerning the appropriateness of selecting managed care organizations and the effectiveness of their coordination with providers. Critics may express concerns about whether the bundled payment system adequately compensates for the complexities involved in serving patients with severe disorders and the potential limitations on patient choice when reliant on managed care systems. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the administrative burdens on providers required to participate in the program and manage the reporting processes effectively.