Improving Psychotropic Medication Use Among Children in Foster Care
Amerigroup Georgia works collaboratively with providers to reduce psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in foster care. From 2014 through 2017, the plan lowered the number of prescriptions filled per 1,000 children by 3 percent for all psychotropic medications and by 8 percent for antipsychotics.
Psychotropic medications can be an important treatment option for children with serious emotional disturbance, but overuse of these drugs in children can be dangerous. Concerns about inappropriate use of psychotropic drugs among children, especially children in foster care, have spurred federal and state efforts to ensure more appropriate delivery of care and services.
Medicaid managed care organizations are key partners to states and care providers in developing and implementing solutions. The Amerigroup Georgia health plan designed and operates a program to change prescribing patterns — engaging providers through data sharing, training, and consultation. The program targets potentially inappropriate prescribing or usage and intervenes to improve decision-making and care delivery.
Related Public Policy Research
Healthcare Quality and Access for Children and Youth in Foster Care by Delivery System
Children and youth in foster care (CYFC) experience complex health needs. New research shows that CYFC enrolled in Medicaid managed care—especially plans tailored to CYFC—have significantly better preventive, behavioral health, and chronic care outcomes compared to fee-for-service.
Enhancing a System of Care for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in Foster Care
Medicaid MCOs offer states a whole person approach for children in foster care that emphasizes safety, permanency, and stability and improves the overall system of care.
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.