In this brief, we describe the process by which primary care associations and behavioral health state associations built and strengthened their partnerships during Phase 1 of the Delta Center's State Action and Learning Collaborative, and offer high-level recommendations for other PCAs and BHSAs that seek to develop partnerships to advance policy and practice.
This brief summarizes key challenges faced by the rural ambulatory safety net in delivering primary care and behavioral health services since COVID-19 and the policy changes that have been implemented in response to those challenges. It also offers state-level policy recommendations to improve rural-specific primary care and behavioral health care through sustaining and supporting the movement towards telehealth, addressing social needs, and advancing value-based payment and care.
Advancing payment and delivery reform in the ambulatory safety net in rural areas presents unique challenges and will require solutions specific to this context, for both primary care and behavioral health.
Drawing from our work with 12 primary care associations through the Delta Center, this brief outlines three key policy steps to help health centers survive in the short term and thrive beyond the COVID-19 crisis.