Now that we have a new integrated behavioral health care model in Maricopa County, we’ve set our sights on implementing a similar integrated care model in the rest of the state. Our Procurement Team issued the Greater Arizona Behavioral Health RFP last week – which sets the course for integrating behavioral health and physical health for folks with a serious mental illness as we select behavioral health authorities in the rest of Arizona.
The Greater Arizona Behavioral Health RFP solicits bids from entities that provide integrated behavioral and physical health for folks with a serious mental illness – much like the Maricopa County contract. People in the general mental health or substance abuse categories will get behavioral health services from the RBHA and their physical health care from an AHCCCS acute care health plan.
The bid is structured to consolidate several of the current Geographic Service Areas. When the new contracts go live in October of 2015, we’ll have a total of 3 service zones (North, South, & Maricopa) – rather than the current 6. We’ve also ensured that tribal land aligns with the service areas. Of course, tribes wishing to continue as a Tribal Behavioral Health Authority would continue as-is. The solicitation makes it clear awardees will only be able to hold a contract in 1 service area. We plan on reviewing the proposals beginning in October and awarding the contracts by the end of the year with an October 1, 2015 start date.
