News & Events: Details
New AHCCCS Criminal Justice System Reach-in Initiative
09/13/2016
AHCCCS is partnering with state and county governments to improve coordination within the justice system and create more cost effective and efficient ways to transition people leaving the criminal justice system. A significant number of men, women and children transitioning out of jail and prison into communities are in need of services for behavioral health and physical health conditions. Many of these individuals are eligible for Medicaid.
To facilitate this transition, AHCCCS has engaged the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADOC) and most Arizona counties covering the majority of the State’s population, including the two largest – Maricopa and Pima – in a data exchange process that allows AHCCCS to suspend eligibility upon incarceration, rather than terminate coverage. This exchange also allows ADOC and counties to electronically send discharge dates, which simplifies the process of transitioning directly into care. Through this enrollment suspension process, care can be coordinated by county jails or prisons upon discharge. Additional information can be found on the AHCCCS website at https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Initiatives/CareCoordination/justiceinitiatives.html
Effective October 1, 2016, AHCCCS is contractually requiring all acute health plans across the state to implement a “Reach-In” program for suspended AHCCCS members that are incarcerated and have chronic medical conditions. University of Arizona Health Plans (UAHP) is notifying our provider community of this new program due to the important role providers will play in the transition of our members. UAHP will coordinate care with PCPs and Specialists in an effort to help members establish their healthcare and attend initial medical appointments post-incarceration. UAHP will be sending more information about this initiative in the near-future.
UAHP would like to thank you in advance for your efforts and flexibility as we work together to improve the health outcomes and reduction in re-incarceration rates of these individuals.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Joe Bonneau, Behavioral Health Program Manager at 520-874-2267 or UAHPJusticeSystemLiaison@bannerhealth.com.
Thank you for your continued partnership!
UAHP Behavioral Health Department