Washington State IECMH work featured in national publication

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 11/22/2023 09:05 AM PST

November 22, 2023

Washington State IECMH work featured in national publication

A recent publication from the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy featured HCA’s work on Medicaid support for infant-early childhood mental health. HCA IECMH staff represented Washington as one of five states interviewed for the report, which sought to understand the evolution of state leadership, policy change, and investments in IECMH in Medicaid. Findings highlighted the use of inside-outside government leadership, cross sector partnerships, and knowledge of Medicaid financing levers as the most important strategies for change.

As cited in the report, Christine Cole, Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health Program Manager, shared that:

“The magic was in applying the principles of IECMH, grounding Medicaid policy decisions in what had been learned in practice.”

Read the Medicaid Support for IECMH report

Why does infant-early childhood mental health matter?

Epidemiological data suggests that approximately 1 in 5 young children have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. These disorders, if properly identified, can be effectively treated with infant-early childhood mental health (IECMH) services. IECMH treatment services are highly effective and offer a strong return on investment; every dollar spent on IECMH treatment services can yield $8.00-$15.00 in savings per child.

Learn more about providing IECMH services

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.