Medicaid and Counties: Understanding the Program and Why It Matters to Counties

On April 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the availability of $51 million in funding opportunities open to HRSA-funded health centers. HRSA-funded health centers, which serve over 30 million patients, play a crucial role in county healthcare systems emphasizing equity and accessibility in healthcare. This new initiative focuses on supporting individuals leaving incarceration by providing health services during the critical 90 days before release, assisting justice-impacted individuals with their return to the community by expanding access to primary healthcare—including mental health and substance use disorder treatment. 

County Health Day, which falls during National County Government Month, celebrates the pivotal role counties play in promoting public health and building resilient communities.

On March 21, bipartisan congressional leaders and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced steps to improve the 988 National Suicide Lifeline. This announcement marks major progress on the nation’s crisis response, a priority for counties and a key policy pillar of the NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing.

On March 5, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means marked up and reported out of committee the Protect America’s Senior’s Access to Care Act (H.R. 7513). 

In February, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) introduced a Final Rule amending the regulations governing the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records at 42 CFR part 2.

On January 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model. This model aims to improve care quality and outcomes for individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders by bridging the gap between behavioral and physical healthcare.

The presentation will provide an overview of Riverside County’s current Integrated Services Delivery (ISD) initiative to connect health, human, and public safety services to orchestrate our efforts and resources around a constituent-first approach, focusing on delivering the best possible outcomes for our most vulnerable populations.

The webinar will also explore how new initiatives like those led by Wonderschool ultimately contribute to economic development, educational opportunity, and community infrastructure.
 

In this presentation, we will: define a successful transition of care for adults with schizophrenia, review barriers to a successful transition, highlight specific examples of successful transitional care programs, explore how a multidisciplinary/collaborative approach can support successful transitions, and identify actionable strategies for potential implementation.