In early 2013, Utah was awarded a State Innovation Models (SIM) Grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to design a Utah Health Innovation Plan that oultined potential policy reforms in health information, health workforce, prevention and wellness, payment reform and quality/patient safety. In order to achieve the vision of improved health care value (better health, better healthcare, and lower cost) the Plan sets out four critical aims:
AIM 1: To adapt to and perform well in a value-based purchasing environment
AIM 2: To facilitate end-of-life preferences for Utah citizens so they receive care with dignity, respect and efficiency
AIM 3: To increase access to primary care and behavioral health
AIM 4: To create community-clinical linkages and healthful environments
Aim 3 seeks to improve health care value by increasing access to primary and behavioral health. The goal is to provide these critical services to more Utahans through increased behavioral health screenings, training and use of interdisciplinary teams, and use of telehealth services.
The Plan highlights medical home activity in children's health care programs including the Utah Early Childhood Statewide Data Integration Project (ECDIP), the Utah Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Bureau, and the CHIPRA quality demonstration grant.
