Provides for behavioral health wraparound demonstration projects combining services through the office for people with developmental disabilities, the office of mental health

BILL NUMBER:S3662A

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to providing for behavioral health wraparound demonstration projects

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill proposes demonstration projects leading to changes in social service law to address the problem of children and adolescents with behavioral health issues not receiving appropriate care due to lack of integration of services and funding streams.

Summary of specific provisions

The social services law is amended by adding a new section 364-n as follows:

Section 1: Legislature findings that demonstration projects to integrate services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities, the office of mental health, office of alcoholism and drug abuse, and the department of health can help children and families move from crisis or high risk to normalization by providing the right services at the right time and in the right amount.

Section 2: Authorizes the commissioner of health, to the extent of funds appropriated for this purpose, to fund demonstration projects that develop and evaluate interventions targeted at Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 21 who have had one or more crisis interventions during the previous 12 months. Such interventions may be viewed as opportunities to increase coordination of care, ensure that care is delivered in the most appropriate setting, improve health outcomes and reduce the cost of care.

Section 3: Demonstration projects may test models of care and models of reimbursement.

Section 4: Service providers eligible to apply as demonstration coordinators include hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, managed care plans, medical schools, and providers licensed or funded by the Office for people with developmental disabilities, the office of mental health, and the department of health.

Section 5: Nothing in this bill shall be construed as requiring any Medicaid beneficiary to participate in a demonstration project, participation shall be voluntary.

Section 6: Prior to establishing any demonstration project authorized by this section, the commissioner of health shall consult with the commissioners of the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities.

Section 7: Authorizes the commissioner of health to submit applications for waivers of the federal social security act.

Section 8: Requires the commissioner of health to provide a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the effectiveness of demonstration projects

Justification

The current reimbursement system within the New York State offices responsible for the behavioral and mental health care of children and adolescents is heavily regulated and inefficient. Compliance with funding regulations and the burden for families and providers to navigate across state systems leads to delayed and less than optimal outcomes for children and families. This bill seeks to create pilot program(s) to demonstrate the fiscal efficiency, and increased clinical outcomes in a streamlined service delivery environment.

Prior legislative history

2012: Referred to health 2010 Referred to Health 2013-2014 Referred to Senate Health Committee

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.