Clinical and collaborative challenges in behavioral health in the era of the affordable care act

Table 3: Clinical/Operational: This table will discuss infrastructure and operational changes that are needed for behavioral health providers to successfully collaborate and coordinate clinical care with primary medical providers, ACO's, insurance companies and other support agencies.

The field of substance abuse disorders faces numerous challenges on the road toward full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Policy issues include preparedness for the Medicaid expansion and the newly eligible, compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008, and understanding 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA regulations in integrating primary care, mental health, and substance abuse services. These are the continuous challenges ahead as legislation is still in the process of final determination. Substance abuse providers must be prepared for these policy changes, which will require the need for integration strategies with primary care and mental health services. Preparedness activities will include developing collaborative partnerships with entities including insurance providers, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and community clinics, in addition to meeting accreditation needs and changes resulting from the Medicaid expansion and services to the dual eligible (Medicare-Medicaid) population. This discussion will explain the ACA and current integration needs in the field of substance use disorders (SUD), provide comprehensive strategies and practical examples of integration preparedness for SUD service organizations to prepare for the ACA, and discuss strategies for networking with primary care, behavioral health, and other SUD providers for successful coordination of care.