Mathematica, a national authority on state health policy, will lead new initiatives in 2023 to enhance health services and care in California and improve equitable outcomes for the state’s underserved communities. These programs will transform children’s behavioral health and increase access to home and community-based services (HCBSs) for older adults and individuals with disabilities across the state. The new engagements reinforce Mathematica’s commitment to both equity and evidence-based policymaking. Examples of this work include the following activities:
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). The CYBHI is one of the cornerstones of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids. Through this transformative $4.4 billion initiative, the California Department of Health and Human Services (CalHHS) seeks to re-imagine and transform the behavioral health ecosystem in California so that screening, support, and services for emerging and existing behavioral health needs are equitable and accessible to all children and youth age 25 and younger, regardless of payer. Mathematica will conduct a multifaceted evaluation of CYBHI that seeks to assess the initiative’s progress in achieving its goals and support CalHHS in identifying opportunities to improve policy, strengthen systems of care, and address inequities in care delivery. “The Mathematica team brings an independent perspective and combines strong evaluation skills with an understanding of California’s behavioral health systems and the intersection between health and education,” said Bailey Orshan, director of Mathematica’s state health portfolio. “We are particularly excited to support CalHHS in its efforts to focus the initiative on the needs of youth and children and bring their voices front and center.”
Technical assistance to improve health. California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) is a long-term commitment to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal and improve the health of Californians. Mathematica has been selected as a vendor for the CalAIM PATH (Providing Access and Transforming Health) Technical Assistance Marketplace, which provides important technical assistance for building data capacity, community supports, promoting health equity, and supporting cross-sector partnerships.
HCBS gap analysis. Partnering with the Center for Health Care Strategies, Mathematica will conduct a gap analysis of the availability and quality of HCBS statewide. Mathematica will work with the Department of Aging and the Department of Health Care Services to identify gaps in HCBS availability and develop a road map for the state to improve access to and the quality of these services.
“This endeavor is an important step to improve access to HCBS for older adults and people with disabilities of all ages as California transitions to a fully integrated long-term services and supports model over the next several years,” said Bailey Orshan. “Our team has a long and distinguished history measuring and monitoring these services and an extensive knowledge of California’s specific programs.”
Learn more about how Mathematica helps California and other partners in state health solve urgent challenges and deliver results that transform health care quality, delivery, and financing.
