California ’s Whole Person Care improved health care for high-risk Medi-Cal patients

California ’s Whole Person Care pilot program, launched in 2016 to address the multiple health needs of some of the state’s highest-risk Medi-Cal patients, helped improve coordination of care and reduced Medi-Cal costs, according to areport published today by theUCLA Center for Health Policy Research.The report found that under Whole Person Care, the number of Medi-Cal beneficiaries who received help for substance use issues and specialty-care services increased, and the number who were hospitalized or treated in emergency departments decreased.The program, which ended in 2021, focused on people who frequently utilized health services, often at disproportionately high rates, including those involved with the criminal justice system, those who were homeless or at risk of homelessness, and those with multiple chronic conditions or serious mental illness or substance use disorders. Overall, the program enrolled 247,887 Medi-Cal beneficiaries statewide.Through its 25 local pilot programs, covering 26 California counties, Whole Person Care sought to integrate physical health, mental health and social services by contracting with more than 500 local partners — social service organizations, housing support groups, behavioral health departments and others — that provided services ranging from outreach to specialized medical care.Among the key findings from the study:The program promoted engagement with Whole Person Care partners through consistent communication, consensus on ...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news