September 2022

This past month, IAMHP wrapped up our third quarter focus highlighting the work of the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations and our industry partners in the Behavioral Health Space. 

Medicaid is the largest payer of behavioral health services and as mental health crises soar and as we continue to face collective trauma, providing access to crucial behavioral health services remains a priority for the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations and the state of Illinois. 

The state has made huge strides in helping to ensure equitable and culturally competent mental health services are available to those who need it most. 

IAMHP is proud to partner with stakeholders who continue to work toward improving behavioral health outcomes in Illinois.

Here, we highlight just some of the great work they are doing. 

We hope you enjoy, and as always, be well and stay safe.  

The IAMHP Team

Inseparable Looks to Close Mental Health Gaps and Access to Care

Angela Kimball, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at Inseparable, joins the podcast to talk about how this initiative is working to close the gap on access to critical mental health services for all. 

How Health Plans are Paving the Way for Behavioral Health

Dr. Tom Allen, Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health at BCBSIL, and Chief Psychiatrist for the BCBSIL Medicaid plan joins Samantha to talk about how Medicaid Managed Care Organizations are paving the way for Behavioral Health in Illinois.

Mental Health Trends - Social Media and its' Effects on Youth

Sara Howe, Senior Director at Third Horizon Strategies, joins Samantha to talk about the mental health of youth and current trends.

Youth Mental Health:  First Aid and Addiction Prevention

Riley Cleary, Prevention Program Manager at the Illinois Association of Behavioral Health stops by the podcast to talk about the great work the organization is doing through their Youth Mental Health First Aid and Addiction Prevention programs.

A National Breakthrough

Emily Miller, Vice President of Behavioral Health at the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), joins Samantha to talk about the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline and its implementation here in Illinois.

Complimentary Webinar:  Exposure to Trauma and Building Resilience /
NAMI Resources Webinar

Exposure to Trauma and Building Resilience provided the opportunity to engage in meaningful education, discussion, and activity that addresses each individual's unique life experience. The webinar overviewed how NAMI Chicago pivoted in this space since the pandemic and social unrest upheaval, while offering advice to those working in the community. Participants also learned how to support themselves and their peers with the goal of creating a space to develop intentional wellness. 

(NAMI Chicago Resources:  https://www.namichicago.org/resources )

Complimentary Webinar:  Health Plans Paving the Way for Behavioral Health

Addressing behavioral health is just as important as physical health to the Medicaid health plans, and these services and supports are needed now more than ever. In this webinar, Meridian health plan discussed their efforts on behavioral health and touched on best practices, current programs and ongoing initiatives to continue to improve behavioral health outcomes for members.

Want to learn more about how becoming an IAMHP Trusted Partner may benefit your business? Visit our website at: https://iamhp.net/trusted-partner-program. 

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