CareSource, a nonprofit health plan, has partnered with Wayspring, a value-based addiction treatment company, to introduce an innovative in-home substance use disorder treatment program. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind, will initially be available to Medicaid enrollees in 25 counties across central Indiana, aiming to improve access and outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD).
Overcoming Barriers with In-Home Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Medicaid is the nation’s largest payer of behavioral health services, including SUD treatment. Despite this, many patients face barriers to receiving and completing proper care, a problem that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Smitherman, President of CareSource Indiana, noted:
“The process of accessing and completing proper treatment and care for substance use disorder was greatly hindered during the beginning months of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new in-home substance use disorder treatment program is designed to break down those barriers by delivering coordinated care directly to patients’ homes. This approach aims to increase engagement and help vulnerable populations get the treatment they need without logistical challenges like transportation or scheduling.
Coordinated Care Through Partnership
CareSource and Wayspring will integrate clinical teams and peer recovery specialists with case management workers to provide seamless care coordination. This collaboration facilitates data sharing and clinical problem-solving to improve patient outcomes. The program focuses on high-risk care transitions, especially during outpatient and early recovery phases.
By connecting clients to primary care providers, the program also helps detect and manage co-occurring medical conditions. This comprehensive approach makes the in-home substance use disorder treatment model especially effective for holistic recovery.
Wayspring’s Role and Vision
Founded in 2012 and rebranded from axialHealthcare, Wayspring operates nationally to connect individuals with behavioral health, peer support, and primary care services. The company raised $75 million in 2021 to expand its network and capabilities.
Carter Paine, CEO of Wayspring, emphasized the importance of the partnership:
“Through this innovative partnership with CareSource, we will work together to solve the complex social, medical and behavioral needs of this population with a community-based service offering.”
This mission aligns perfectly with the goals of the in-home substance use disorder treatment program, which centers on community-based and patient-focused care.
Personalized Support for Medicaid Members
CareSource’s care management team will develop individualized care plans that address more than just clinical needs. Members will receive help with transportation, appointment scheduling, housing, and other social determinants of health that impact recovery. The program uses both virtual and in-person behavioral health services from Wayspring, alongside addiction medicine and primary care, to ensure ongoing support.
This personalized model of in-home substance use disorder treatment prioritizes those at highest risk, helping to reduce relapse rates and improve long-term outcomes.
CareSource’s Commitment and Reach
Serving 2 million members across Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, CareSource is among the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans. The organization is well-positioned to scale this in-home substance use disorder treatment model to other regions, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovative behavioral health solutions.
By launching this program, CareSource and Wayspring are setting a new standard for delivering effective, accessible addiction treatment. The emphasis on integrated, home-based care represents a promising path forward in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with substance use disorders.
This innovative in-home substance use disorder treatment program could serve as a blueprint for Medicaid programs nationwide, improving recovery experiences and outcomes for millions.
