Behavioral Health Service Delivery for American Indian/Alaska Native Members with an SMI Designation Starting October 1, 2022



Applicable to: Mercy Care RBHA

Currently, members with an SMI designation enrolled in the American Indian Health Program (AIHP) only receive physical health care services from this health plan. Behavioral health benefits are provided by the Regional Behavioral Health Authorities (RBHAs). As of October 1, 2022, AIHP will integrate physical and behavioral health services for American Indian/Alaska Native members. Please read Frequently Asked Questions about this change.

• AIHP members will still have the option to enroll with an MCO with a Regional Behavioral Health Agreement (RBHA) for all health plan benefits but will also have the new option to enroll with AIHP for all health plan benefits. 

• Members can switch between AIHP or an MCO/RHBA plan at any time (including after October 1, 2022) by contacting AHCCCS’ Division of Member and Provider Services, Enrollment unit at 602-417-7100 or 1- 800-334-5283, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Arizona time. 

• For members who are enrolled with a Tribal Regional Behavioral Health Authority (TRBHA) for behavioral health benefits, AIHP will automatically become responsible for all physical health benefits on October 1, 2022. Current TRBHA enrolled members do not need to take any action.

• If members have been receiving services from their local Indian Health Service or tribally operated facility (IHS/638 facility), they may continue to do so.

• If you currently have a member enrolled with AIHP, please double check the AHCCCS online portal for health plan enrollment for dates of service on and after October 1, 2022. If the member is enrolled with AIHP or a TRBHA for behavioral health services (as indicated by the behavioral health site code), all prior authorizations and claims should be submitted to the Division of Fee-for-Service Management (DFSM). Additional questions can be directed to providertrainingFFS@azahcccs.gov.

• Additional communication regarding integration will be forthcoming, including member letters which will outline more specific enrollment information. These letters will be issued by AHCCCS closer to October 2022. 

Please don't hesitate to contact your Mercy Care Network Management Representative with any questions or comments. You can find this Notice and all other provider notices on our Mercy Care website.

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