Collaboration between public health and managed care has grown in importance in recent years yet little is known about mechanisms that foster this type of collaboration. This paper reports on an evaluation of a state policy of mandated memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between local public health departments and Medicaid managed care plans in twelve counties in California in nine services areas including STD, HIV, TB, immunization, family planning, WIC, EPSDT, MCH, and children with special medical needs. Multiple evaluation methods, including self-administered surveys, telephone interviews, document review and content analysis were utilized. The effectiveness of the policy on promoting collaboration between organizations, maintaining quality of care and quality of public health services, and maintaining revenue to public health departments was evaluated and the effect of type of health plan, length of time the MOUs were in effect, and organizational collaborative capacity was studied. Policy recommendations based on the study findings are presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to: 1.Describe the policy in California that mandates MOUs between local public health departments and Medicaid managed care plans 2.Articulate the impact of the MOU policy on collaborative activity, quality of care and revenues to public health departments 3.List 3 policy recommendations for the use of MOUs between public health and managed care plans
Keywords: Collaboration, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: State of California
Local public health departments and medicaid managed care plans in 12 counties in California
Note agencies will not be named in the presentation
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed as a Graduate Student Intern by the State of Calirornia during the period this study was conducted.