Enhancing a System of Care for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in Foster Care
Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) offer states a whole person approach for children, adolescents, and young adults in foster care that emphasizes safety, permanency, and stability. MCOs work collaboratively with providers, state agencies, families, and caregivers to improve the overall system of care.
Many children in foster care have extensive health and social supports needs, yet they too often experience fragmented delivery of services and supports in Medicaid fee-for-service. As states look to strengthen the delivery system, MCOs can be a valuable partner. MCOs implement trauma-informed care coordination and person-centered planning — taking into account each child’s unique circumstances and needs. MCOs also help improve collaboration and communication across agencies to reduce fragmentation and ensure children in foster care access important services and supports.
This paper describes how Medicaid MCOs can help states achieve their mission of improving health outcomes and quality of life for children in foster care.
Related Public Policy Research
Coordinating Medicaid Services and Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
MCOs are valuable partners for states—delivering an integrated approach that builds sustainable, high-quality service systems that meets the needs and preferences of individuals with I/DD.
Whole Person Care Improves Quality and Outcomes in Medicaid
Data show that individuals had more outpatient visits and saw improvements in medication management following integration of MH/SUD and physical health through Medicaid MCOs.
Improving Psychotropic Medication Use Among Children in Foster Care
From 2014 through 2017, Amerigroup Georgia lowered the number of prescriptions filled per 1,000 children by 3 percent for all psychotropic medications and by 8 percent for antipsychotics.