I sat in on a Clinic Council Advisory Board meeting at the People of Color Network, Capitol Center on January 8, 2014 concerning the transition to a new Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Effective April 1, 2014 the new RBHA will no longer be Magellan but Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care (Mercy Maricopa) under a new 5 year contract award by the state of Arizona.
The focus of Mercy Maricopa will be on physical and behavioral health coordination for the “Seriously Mentally ill” or SMI in Phoenix, Arizona.
Under the new plan behavior, physical and Medicare benefits are “combined” into a single plan (RBHA ) – which is called Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care.
SMI clients under Magellan will receive information letters soon informing them of the changes from AHCCCS, Magellan and Mercy Maricopa. Those with questions or concerns can call ADHS customer service 6020364-4558, or 1-800-867-5808.
SMI clients should continue to keep all current and future scheduled appointments, during the transition as well make sure they have enough medication.
Officials stressed that your individual behavioral health providers (if you are determined SMI) will remain the same.
SMI are encouraged to learn their rights and responsibilities during the transition to the new plan.
In the meantime you can check out ADHS (Arizona Department Health Services) website @http://www.azdhs.gov/ or call Magellan’s customer service number at 1-800-564-5465.