Strengthen system capacity
For HSS, strengthening system capability means addressing workforce challenges and adopting new technologies through HHS programs that a)”recruit, train and support a diverse workforce” that is fully integrated and culturally and linguistically appropriate, and b) using new technologies to “integration, coordination and consultationin different environments. Examples include:
- The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program which trains primary care residents to treat the physical and mental health needs of rural and underserved communities.
- New billing codes for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for “monthly care integration” of mental health services led by clinical psychologists or clinical social workers.
Connect Americans with care
HHS efforts to address this pillar focus on insurance and other funding constraints, and the unfair involvement of underserved populations. HHS prioritizes policies that strive to make behavioral health services more affordable and participate targeted range to the needs of high-risk populations. Examples include:
- Medicaid coverage of “interdisciplinary whole-person care” and testing of other payment models that will drive behavioral health integration.
- The HRSA Health Care for the Homeless program to support “coordinated, comprehensive, integrated” primary care for homeless patients.
Support Americans by creating health environments
HHS focuses on addressing a lack of “culturally relevant, person-centered, and evidence-based” promotion of prevention services by aligning structural support and funding to integrate these programs into community-based settings. Examples include:
- The What Works in Schools program, launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which supports health education in schools and connects students with health services.
- The HRSA Bright Futures Program, which provides guidelines for improving the health of infants, children and adolescents.
HHS will closely monitor the progress of its programs in achieving the President’s policy pillars and will continue to develop and announce policies in accordance with the HHS Roadmap.
