State Strategies for Integrating Physical and Behavioral Health Services in a Changing Medicaid Environment

State efforts to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries have access to integrated care, however, are hindered by a fragmented behavioral health system that is administered and regulated by multiple state agencies and levels of government, and by purchasing models that segregate behavioral health services from other Medicaid-covered services. Drawing on a review of the literature and interviews with consumers, providers, payers, and policymakers, this report explores strategies states are deploying to address or eliminate system-level barriers to integrated care for this medically complex and high-cost Medicaid population.