In 2016, Louisiana Medicaid is changing the way it has communicated with behavioral health providers. On Dec. 1, 2015, all Medicaid members began receiving their behavioral health services (mental illness and substance use treatment) through their Bayou Health Plan. Louisiana Medicaid and the Office of Behavioral Health hosted a series of noon conference calls for providers, to listen to comments and concerns and answer any questions. 

Beginning Monday, Jan. 4 the calls will transition from three times a week to twice a week. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Integration Rapid Response Line for providers, which began on Dec. 1 to provide a more immediate response to provider issues, will discontinue at the close of business on Jan. 8.

The conference calls for providers will take place Monday and Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. We welcome all provider types to participate on any of the days. The call-in information is as follows:

• Call-in #: 1-888-636-3807
• Access Code: 1133472

Please note that this call is being hosted by the Department, so specific questions, pertaining to a specific Health Plan may not be answered. Although there will be representatives from the managed care organizations on the line, we ask that you keep all questions Department related.

If any provider is unable to ask a question during the call, we encourage them to submit their questions to integratedhealthcare@la.gov or bayouhealth@la.gov. The Bayou Health Provider Relations unit has released some "Talking Points" for behavioral health providers. Informational Bulletins, Frequently Asked Questions and other pertinent information can be accessed at any time by visiting www.makingmedicaidbetter.com.

For news specifically pertaining to the integration, you can click on the "Behavioral Health" tab on www.makingmedicaidbetter.com. To automatically receive updates and releases from the Department regarding the integration, click here and subscribe to the "Integrated Health Care" newsletter.