Iowa Redesigns Behavioral Health System
On July 1, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched its newly designed Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems. Now Iowans, no matter where in the state they live, can access the same sets of mental health, substance use, problem gambling, and disability support services.
On May 15, 2024, a new law was signed combining mental health and substance use services into one system, now called the Behavioral Health Service System.
Beginning today, Iowans without insurance—or with limited coverage—can access care through the new Behavioral Health Service System. To streamline care delivery, the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization (BH-ASO), Iowa Primary Care Association, will handle administrative tasks.
Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BH-ASOs) are responsible for ensuring all Iowans have clear, consistent pathways to care and the support they need within each behavioral health district. They will do this by instilling a unified operational approach for each of seven districts. Additionally, they will meet regularly with local leaders, school officials, law enforcement, healthcare providers and public health professionals to discuss behavioral health needs at a local level and ensure the state’s Behavioral Health Service System is adapting and meeting those needs.
All Iowans can use Your Life Iowa for 24/7 support through calls, texts, or online chat. In addition, Your Life Iowa will connect Iowans to Behavioral Health System navigators to help connect individuals to services and resources in their communities.
Coordination of disability services now lives with Iowa’s new Disability Access Points (DAPs), which are part of the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network. DAPs assist individuals and families by providing information, making referrals, creating service plans, and ensuring ongoing support so Iowans can live healthy, independent lives.
“At Iowa HHS, we’ve been fully committed to reimagining and transforming our systems to be truly person-centered—and today, we’re seeing that vision become a reality,” said Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia, in a statement. “Iowans now have easier, more seamless access to the care they need, when and where they need it.”
