Arkansas is moving forward with historic changes to the Medicaid program that will improve access to mental health and substance use treatment. For almost a decade, efforts have been underway to better address the mental health needs of children and families in the state. Families shared their stories in a report released in 2007, which brought attention to the nearly impassable roadblocks for families in need of services.

Since that time, incremental changes have happened, but previous efforts to overhaul the system stalled. The proposed changes, which will be in place by July 2017, include:

• Providing equitable access to substance use treatment (by no longer limiting services to children and pregnant women);
• Implementing an independent assessment to help ensure individuals receive the appropriate services to meet their needs;
• Offering care coordination to manage the services and supports for individuals receiving treatment; and
• Investing in prevention for young children with symptoms of emotional disorders (treatment that supports the caregiver and child).

This transformation will also update all of the current services to offer evidence-based options, like peer support. Services like behavior assistance will also be available to make sure families can get the treatment they need in their home and community.

These are some of the most important reforms to the health care system in Arkansas. The changes are especially beneficial for the most vulnerable children and families with involvement in the child welfare and criminal justice systems. Today, the state faces an opioid addiction epidemic, and substance abuse continues to be one of the leading reasons for children entering foster care. Research shows that for every $1 spent on substance use treatment, the state can save up to $22 in health care and criminal justice systems costs. In addition to the cost savings, these changes will help combat the criminalization of mental illness by offering adequate supports and services for people with mental illness to live and work independently.

Finally, for this transformation effort to be successful, there must be sufficient time to transition to the new system to ensure families are not impacted by any sudden changes in their services. Going forward, it will be critical to ensure that no services are eliminated or limited before the overhaul moves forward on July 1.

The proposed changes must be approved at the federal level and by state legislators. The state is currently accepting comments on the proposal, which can be submitted until October 14 to the Department of Human Services:

Division of Medical Services

Program Development and Quality Assurance

P.O. Box 1437 (Slot S295)

Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437