The new Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) will transform and improve Idaho’s behavioral healthcare system by coordinating behavioral health benefits for about 425,000 Medicaid members and Idaho residents.
What is an IBHP and how is the new one different?
The IBHP is the framework for how behavioral health services for conditions such as mental health and substance use disorders are administered in Idaho. The new IBHP contract is structured differently than the previous one because a managed care provider, Magellan Healthcare, Inc., will manage the entire system of care for Idaho. Magellan will oversee behavioral health services for Idahoans who have Medicaid, other types of insurance, and who don’t have insurance. Because outpatient behavioral health services will be included in the plan, the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) will no longer offer outpatient behavioral health services.
Next steps
The new plan will go into effect after a new contract is awarded. Until it transitions to the new contract, nothing will change from the current contract. More information will be shared when a transition date is chosen.
Members in Idaho’s current plan will receive a letter from Magellan containing information on what is changing and what that means for members. New insurance cards will be mailed to members on a future date.
Current Medicaid participants
Contact the phone number on the back of your Medicaid card if you have questions about your coverage.
What do members need to do?
Nothing right now.
Magellan will mail you a letter with information on what is changing and what steps you need to take.
Magellan will mail you a letter with information on what is changing and what steps you need to take.
As the current IBHP contract neared its end date, Idaho completed a thorough review of behavioral healthcare and realized this was an opportunity to improve services for Idahoans.
FAQ
What is changing?
Idaho has awarded a contract to Magellan Healthcare, Inc. who will take over managing behavioral health services and coordinating care for Medicaid and non-Medicaid members.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
- If you have questions about your coverage, contact the phone number on the back of your insurance card.
- For eligibility questions, contact the Division of Self-Reliance at 877-456-1233.
- For general referrals, contact the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1.
- For questions about the future Idaho Behavioral Health Plan or other questions, contact IBHP@dhw.idaho.gov to connect with the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan Governance Bureau.
When will the changes happen?
Changes will happen on a to-be-determined date in 2024.
How will I know if this change will affect me?
This change will affect all eligible Medicaid members. You will receive a letter telling you that you will be enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO). Magellan, as the MCO, will mail you a welcome packet.
What is an MCO?
A managed care organization (MCO) is an organization that helps you manage your health. Idaho's new MCO for behavioral health is Magellan Healthcare, Inc. Magellan will help you get the services you need by coordinating care and providing behavioral healthcare services through a network of providers.
What behavioral health or non-Medicaid services are covered through the IBHP (or by the MCO )?
For questions about specific services that are covered in the IBHP, contact the number on the back of your insurance card. In general, covered services include mental health services and substance use disorder services. This can mean therapy services, recovery and support services, and crises services. You can learn more about services included in the Idaho Health Plan.
Questions?
IBHP Governance Bureau
Email