Pennsylvania Medical Assistance & Behavioral Health Care In The Commonwealth: Challenges & Options

The Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Panel was an initiative convened by Governor Edward G. Rendell to investigate the efficiency and costs of Medical Assistance. Monica E. Oss, chief executive officer of OPEN MINDS, was invited by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to testify as an expert in behavioral health financing and benefit plan design. Ms. Oss' testimony highlighted the increasing dependence of state mental health systems on Medicaid and the fact that some Medicaid cost containment strategies that are extended to behavioral health actually result in unintentional cost shifting other State and County Services. Her testimony focused on the need for the State to integrate funding streams among payers - federal, state, and local governments - and focus on recovery-oriented approaches to managing schizophrenia.