GenIC #64 (Revision) Medicaid Section 1115 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Demonstrations: Federal Meta-Analysis Support

Attachment 3.b. MCO and Behavioral Health Provider Stakeholder Interview
Introductory Email from RTI to State Medicaid Director
To:

State Medicaid Director

CC:

CMCS Project Officer

Subject:

RTI International Evaluation of Section 1115 Substance Use Disorder
Demonstrations

Dear [STATE MEDICAID DIRECTOR],
Thank you for agreeing to help identify managed care organization (MCO) and behavioral health
provider stakeholders to participate in the section 1115 substance use disorder demonstration
evaluation. We have listed selection criteria to help guide you in identifying the appropriate
stakeholders:
•

We are looking to speak with up to four of your MCOs delivering SUD services that can
provide
o information on changes MCOs made to align with the demonstration
o what impact those changes had on MCOs, providers, and Medicaid enrollees
o if more than 4 MCOs in the state, those with the largest market share
o [LIST STATE-SPECIFIC CRITERIA]

•

We would like to speak with up to four behavioral health service providers (at least one
residential and one non-residential) that can provide
o perspective on translating payer policies into changes in service delivery
o information on organizations’ operationalized policies and changes leadership
made based on their understanding of the SUD demonstration policies
o barriers encountered in implementing changes
o perspectives on the effects these changes have on providers and service provision
generally
o [LIST STATE-SPECIFIC CRITERIA]

Can you help us identify MCOs and behavioral health service providers that meet the criteria
listed above? Once you provide a list of recommended MCOs and behavioral health service
providers, we will choose four of each.
We would appreciate if you could connect us with the MCOs and providers directly. We have
found that MCOs and providers are more responsive to such requests if state officials provide an
informal introduction between a point of contact and RTI. Upon receipt of a list of recommended
organizations and points of contacts, we can confirm our interest in specific organizations.
We’ve attached an email template for you to use to reach out to all stakeholders. The email
template provides
•
•
•
•

an overview of the evaluation,
a description of the data collection approach,
topics we will cover during the telephone interview, and
next steps, including RTI reaching out with a follow-up email to schedule the interview.

We’re glad to schedule a brief call to help narrow down what we are looking for or answer
questions you may have. Again, we recognize you are facing unprecedented challenges related
to COVID-19 and will work to minimize the burden on you. We appreciate your help facilitating
this important evaluation. Please contact me at [INSERT TEAM LEAD PHONE NUMBER] if
you have questions.
Thank you,
RTI SUD Team Lead