Physical and Behavioral Health Integration: State Policy Approaches to Support Key Infrastructure
Through the State Innovation Model initiative, health home state plan option, and other Medicaid authorities, states have made significant investments to develop and implement payment and delivery system reforms that better integrate the physical and behavioral health systems. Rather than adopting specific integrated care models, states may benefit from taking a broader approach that builds the necessary infrastructure for providers to adopt and adapt integrated care models across the care continuum while meeting their local needs and contexts. In this brief, NASHP reviewed emerging areas of consensus in what makes for a successful integrated care model and highlights how leading states have supported infrastructure development using diverse policy strategies
Read the full brief here.
This work was made possible by The Commonwealth Fund.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
