Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) - Phoenix, AZ

The Arizona Department of Health Services is responsible for the provision of most of the state's Medicaid and indigent behavioral health care services. The Department contracts on a capitated basis with a single behavioral health contractor in each county (Regional Behavioral Health Administrator, or "RBHA") to furnish behavioral health services.

While part of the National Health Care Practice at KPMG Peat Marwick, professionals from the Pacific Health Policy Group participated in the development of the RBHA model. Activities included:

• The evaluation of alternative models, from which the RBHA structure was selected

• Formulation of program participation standards for contractors

• Development of cost projections for the state and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

• Creation of a system to monitor RBHA performance and ensure coordination between RBHAs and physical health plans under contract to the state Medicaid agency, AHCCCS

PHPG assisted ADHS in conducting separate RBHA managed care procurements for Maricopa County (Phoenix) and the rest of the state. Work included revieweing RFP drafts and associated evaluation guides, assisting in proposal evaluation activites and participating in contractor readiness reviews.