Creating Healthy Communities Across Minnesota: Investing in Integrated Health Care

In Minnesota, behavioral health homes have become an efficient resource for individu­als on Medical Assistance to receive integrated behavioral and primary health care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The rising popularity of behav­ioral health homes in Minnesota introduced the concept of integrated medical care with a patient\u27s primary care physician as the home-base . Figure 1 illustrates the inte­grated approach that supports the patient and their family, provides care that covers an entire continuum of care with a comprehensive care team focused on the whole person, is accessible with short waiting times, and is committed to quality and safety. Evidence shows that implementing integrated healthcare delivery systems leads to better patient health outcomes. Individuals living in rural communities face additional barriers to accessing healthcare and experience higher mortality rates. With Minnesota\u27s large rural population, the implementation of behavioral health homes in rural communities could help improve overall health outcomes for Minnesotans. The goal of expanding behavioral health homes is to improve health outcomes, individual experiences, quality of life, and reduce health care costs. These goals align with those identified by the Governor\u27s Task Force on Mental Health