Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals are found in all segments of society. Therefore, most LGBT individuals are impacted by managed care organizations (MCOs). The movement into managed care has been especially rapid for treatment of mental health and addictive disorders, also referred to as managed behavioral health care organizations (MBHCOs). Before managed care, this country historically relied on a patchwork of community-based "safety net" health care providers and organizations to serve the millions of persons who lacked insurance or felt uncomfortable with the mainstream health care system. Whether factual or not, the perception exists that managed care has decimated this safety net. With few exceptions, LGBT populations are unknown to the majority of individuals who work in managed care. Few LGBT health care consumers or organizations have overtly voiced the specific needs and concerns of this specific multi-cultural group. This often has the effect of LGBT persons fearing to communicate honestly with managed care providers because of overt and subtle homophobia. The subsequent consequence is that LGBT persons with substance abuse problems do not receive appropriate comprehensive treatment. The risk for providers who are LGBT is equally precarious as their self-disclosure may result in exclusion from provider networks. Despite the preponderance of negativity, MBHCOs do have incentives to address the substance abuse problems of LGBT populations. This presentation will provide examples of positive relationships between LGBT-focused treatment programs and MBHCOs as well as the formation of LGBT provider networks.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Articulate the challenge for managed care in addressing addictive disease treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations (LGBT); 2. Identify the problems that beset LGBT consumers and providers in managed behavioral health care organizations (MBHCOs); and 3. Cite examples of positive relationships between LGBT-focused treatment programs and MBHCOs as well as the formation of LGBT provider networks
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.