DBH eMemo: Notice of intent for ASO transition plan, 1/1/2024

The Division of Behavioral Health (Division) has received approval to move forward with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Behavioral Health Organization (BHO). Optum’s contract expires 12/31/2024 and this RFP will be replacing the current Administrative Service Organization contract. The RFP will solicit for a vendor to partner in fully implementing and realizing the services available under the 1115 Alaska Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health Program (1115) waiver demonstration. Services will include developing regional provider capacity and support, conducting participant outreach, developing communication and support tools, providing technical assistance to providers, facilitating provider quality and outcome efforts, providing data management, and improving overall access and service outcomes.

The Division will also be transitioning the Behavioral Health Medicaid claims back into State’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). In doing so, the Division will accomplish the following:

• Align with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expectation that the Department of Health (DOH) designs and implements projects and programs that are cohesive and unified.
• Reduce and consolidate multiple/overlapping contracts within DOH.
• Reduce some administrative burden for the provider community by having one place to submit claims.
• Improve timely payments to providers, potentially increasing their ability to provide services to more participants.

The Division recognizes there are many tasks and milestones ahead related to these transitions. We are developing a communication plan to outline the timing of the transition activities and any anticipated impacts on our provider community. Stay tuned for more eMemos and stakeholder engagement opportunities. We are partners together in this and we value our collaboration to ensure a successful transition and improve service delivery and claims reimbursement.

Andrea Mueca
Deputy Director