National survey of peer-run organizations: Results related to Medicaid coverage expansion

Peer-run organizations are playing an increasingly important role in support for individuals with mental disorders. This presentation will present results from the National Survey of Peer-Run Organizations on perspectives on Medicaid reimbursement for peer-run services, knowledge of the ACA, and engagement in discussions about health care reform. The survey had 380 respondents in 48 states and D.C. who qualified as peer-run organizations/programs – an 80% response rate. Many respondents (48%) knew very little or nothing about the ACA. The majority (72%) had discussed health care reform and how it may impact peer support within either the organization, the statewide consumer network, or with a government agency. Of the direct service organizations, only 15% were willing to become Medicaid providers without concerns. About 1/4 of the remaining were not willing to become Medicaid providers, with many others having concerns. Of non-direct services organizations, the majority said that they thought there would be problems with peer-run organizations accepting Medicaid. Respondents were asked to report concerns regarding philosophical conflicts and practical concerns about resources and organizational infrastructure with Medicaid reimbursement. This presentation will explore the associations between knowledge of the ACA and concerns about Medicaid reimbursement, as well as describe the specific concerns that organizations had about Medicaid reimbursement. This study is the only to gather data from peer-run organizations on a national scale about Medicaid reimbursement, and provides important information on how we may have to adapt policy and practice to ease implementation of the ACA and promote sustainability for these organizations.