Executive Summary
California has undertaken efforts that seek to improve services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries with behavioral health needs – mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders – by promoting and seeking increased “behavioral health integration.” In response, the National Health Law Program, in partnership with other health consumer advocacy organizations, has developed an initial list of important consumer protections and safeguards that must be in place during any transition to integrate behavioral health service delivery in Medi-Cal at the administrative, financial, provider, or service level.
