The following is from the Washington State Health Care Authority.

Beginning July 1, 2019, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients in San Juan County are a whole-person approach to care delivery.

Services will be coordinated through a single health plan so that people receive the help they need for body and mind, including mental health and substance use treatment. Apple Health clients moving to integrated managed care received an enrollment notice in early June. The overarching goal of whole person care is the coordination of health, behavioral health and social services in a patient-centered manner.

The change is happening for the North Sound region which includes the following counties: Island, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan and Whatcom.

In 2014, state legislation directed a transition to fully integrate the purchasing of medical and behavioral health services for Apple Health clients through a managed care system no later than Jan. 1, 2020. Integrated managed care implementation began in April 2016.

An integrated care model helps individuals — especially those with multiple complex conditions — receive the full spectrum of care and services they need. By combining both sets of benefits under the same managed care plan, the managed care plan will be responsible and accountable for addressing both the medical and behavioral health needs of individuals, leading to more integrated care and better outcomes.