To create a forum for DCPCA’s member health centers and other key stakeholders in mental health policy to review current gaps and obstacles within the DC mental health system and develop feasible strategies for short- and long-term systemic reform that increases access to coverage and services and strengthens the mental health delivery system.

Agenda

The Mental Health Policy Working Group will review the current state of the District’s mental health system and develop specific viable reform strategies.  Topics may include: adding a mental health benefit to the DC HealthCare Alliance program, integration of mental health and primary care, barriers to accessing services for low-income clients, effective data collection, and oversight of the Department of Mental Health's (DMH's) budgeting and management.

Priorities

I.  Implement priority populations for whom the DMH will serve

    A. Working with DMH to maximize community/provider involvement.

    B. Ensuring that the definitions are not too restrictive.

    A.  Improve coverage and access to treatment for low-income, uninsured residents

         who have moderate mental health problems.

    B.  Provide mental health coverage for individuals on the Alliance and uninsured.

    C.  Developing a funding stream for community health centers serving Alliance and

         uninsured patients.

III. Improve the management and operations of DMH to better serve

     individuals with serious and persistent mental illness

    A.  Outsource the billing functions of DMH to another agency, such as MAA or a

         Health Care Financing Department.

    B.  Improve claims processing in order to maximize federal Medicaid funds.

    C.  Develop standard protocols for the Access Helpline with regards to referrals

         and denials for services.