State Medicaid directors named delivery system and payment reform as their top priority in an annual operations survey from the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD).
The survey sought feedback on the strategic priorities of state Medicaid directors nationwide. While they vary in progress toward improving value and rewarding performance, states at all stages of delivery system and payment reform recognize it as a crucial component of program innovation.
Behavioral health was the second-highest priority, according to the survey. Medicaid currently is the largest payer of mental health services and one of the largest payers of substance use disorder services. States recognize that multiyear investments are necessary to break down silos between behavioral and physical health care.
Other top priorities included:
- Medicaid management information system (MMIS) and eligibility systems implementation and operations;
- sustainability;
- internal agency operations; and
- long-term care.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
