ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) – A bipartisan bill looking to better coordinate mental health care between providers in Wisconsin has been signed into law.
During a bill signing ceremony at Bellin Health’s psychiatric center in Allouez Friday, Governor Scott Walker put pens to paper in putting Senate Bill 293 into effect.
“The legislation we’re signing today improves the delivery of mental health services to Wisconsin patients, with the potential to reduce our state’s costs in the Medicaid program,” said Governor Walker. “Treating mental and physical health together is of great importance for Wisconsin citizens. We want to break the stigma associated with mental health issues and assist people in getting the care they need by continuing to invest in resources which support a healthier and more prosperous Wisconsin.”
Now, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services must provide data on the availability of inpatient psychiatric beds.
Two main parts of the plan will test alternative care methods designed to cut costs and improve outcomes for Medical Assistance patients suffering from chronic or significant mental illness. Another will test models encouraging consultation between psychiatrists and primary care physicians for people with mental health issues.
“WHA was proud to work to develop this forward-thinking set of public policies that will demonstrate the role providers can play in better coordinating care for patients suffering from mental illness in our Medicaid program,” Wisconsin Hospital Association President/CEO Eric Borgerding said in a statement. “Wisconsin health care providers are among the most innovative in the country. They welcome an opportunity to publicly test new integrated and coordinated care delivery and payment models that can reduce utilization, lower costs and produce better outcomes for individuals with mental illness in the Medicaid program.”
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