Overview:
BH-CONNECT includes new services and programs available at county option. Behavioral health plans (BHPs) should use the links below to commit to participating in the following optional components of BH-CONNECT:
- Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) for Adults
- Access, Reform and Outcomes Incentive Program
- Mental Health Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Federal Financial Participation (FFP) Program.
- Community Transition In-Reach Services
Additional information about the optional components of BH-CONNECT is available here.
Evidence-Based Practices for Adults:
EBP Letter of Commitment | Status: OPEN - May be submitted at any time
- BHPs may opt to cover the following EBPs as bundled Medi-Cal services in any combination:
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
- Forensic ACT (FACT)
- Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
- Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment
- Clubhouse Services
- Enhanced Community Health Worker (CHW) Services
- BHPs may submit additional letters of commitment to DHCS at any time upon deciding to cover additional EBPs.
- BHPs that participate in the MH IMD FFP Program must also submit a letter of commitment in advance of covering each EBP that is required as part of that program.
Access, Reform and Outcomes Incentive Program:
Incentive Program Letter of Commitment | Status: CLOSED – Due by March 31, 2025
- BHPs that participate in the Access, Reform and Outcomes Incentive Program are eligible to earn incentive dollars by improving performance on measures in the following areas:
- Improved access to behavioral health services
- Improved outcomes and quality of life among Medi-Cal members
- Targeted delivery system reforms
- Letter of commitment to participate in the Incentive Program were due March 31, 2025.
Mental Health IMD FFP Program
IMD FFP Plan | Status: OPEN - May be submitted at any time
- BHPs may opt to receive FFP for mental health care provided during short-term stays in IMDs contingent on meeting other requirements.
- BHPs must submit an IMD FFP Plan that is approved by DHCS to participate in the MH IMD FFP Program.
- BHPs may submit an IMD FFP Plan at any time upon deciding to participate in the MH IMD FFP Program.
Community Transition In-Reach Services
Community Transition In-Reach Readiness Assessment | Status: COMING SOON
- BHPs may opt to cover Community Transition In-Reach Services as a Medi-Cal service to support members transition from long-term institutional stays.
- BHPs must submit a readiness assessment that is approved by DHCS to cover Community Transition In-Reach Services.
- Readiness assessments may be submitted at any time, but must be submitted at least 90 days prior to BHPs billing Medi-Cal for community transition in-reach services.
- Readiness assessments are intended to assess availability of mental health and/or SUD services and housing options to ensure that an appropriate behavioral health continuum of care is in place in the county.
