FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Power Partnership: DE’s BCCS and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware Announce Promising Behavioral Health Program Results
Wilmington, DE (July 8, 2025) — Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc. (BCCS), Delaware’s leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services for more than 40 years, has announced the successful outcomes of its partnership with AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, a Medicaid managed care organization committed to facilitating access to care, promoting wellness, and nurturing healthy communities.
In 2024, BCCS and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware launched the Integrated Behavioral Health Service Incentive Program. The primary objectives of the program were twofold. First, to improve access and engagement to comprehensive behavioral health services for Medicaid recipients in Delaware. Second, to reduce unnecessary costs while promoting accountable care. BCCS implemented strategies that effectively reduced overall healthcare expenditures by fostering preventive care and early intervention services while also ensuring quality care.
The partnership between BCCS and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware underscores the significant impact that collaborative efforts between healthcare providers can have on managing behavioral health services. With an emphasis on treating the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms, the program has provided comprehensive care that blends clinical expertise with community resources. This has not only improved patient health outcomes but also led to a more sustainable model of care that could serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide.
Key Outcomes and Achievements
The preliminary outcomes of this partnership have been overwhelmingly positive, with significant improvements noted in patient care and financial efficiency:
Improved Patient Health: The program ensured comprehensive access to substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health treatment at a rate of 89.8%, as well as an ongoing engagement rate of 82.3%. Both measurements exceed the national average (above the 95th percentile) in their respective areas. For those with certain co-occurring disorders being screened for diabetes, BCCS was in the 95th percentile nationally.
Cost Efficiency: When comparing actual vs. expected utilization, the risk adjusted AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware member population being treated by BCCS performed significantly better than the network in each of the following categories:
- Potentially preventable admissions — 42.8% better than expected
- Potentially preventable readmissions — 64.9% better than expected
- Potentially preventable emergency department visits — 29.1% better than expected
The joint commitment to community wellness has been a key factor in delivering these positive outcomes. By integrating services and leveraging data analytics, BCCS has been able to tailor interventions more precisely and effectively, catering to individual patient needs while addressing broader community health challenges. Through peer-supported coordinated care, patients have experienced a level of personalized attention and understanding that enhances their experience and overall health journey.
The success of this program is being closely watched by other healthcare providers and could inspire similar collaborations across the country, aiming to address the growing need for integrated care approaches in the behavioral health sector. As BCCS and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware look forward to expanding this initiative, their work promises ongoing improvements in patient care and cost management.
“Our collaboration with BCCS is a testament to the power of integrated care strategies,” said Emmilyn Nesmith, Market President for AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware “By aligning our goals and techniques, we’re not only improving individual lives but also shaping a healthier, more connected community.”
“We’re excited to partner with AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware on this important initiative,” said Dr. Lynn Morrison, CEO of BCCS. “We have made a significant difference in improving patient health, reducing unnecessary costs, and promoting accountable care through quality, cost, and efficiency incentives. We see that BCCS is performing at rates better than the national average in reducing emergency department visits, inpatient admissions and re-admissions, and overall cost of care. That is very encouraging.”
As they move forward, both organizations will continue to refine their approaches, aiming to expand their reach and enhance the quality and efficiency of care provided. The promising results from this program lay a strong foundation for future innovations and partnerships in the ongoing effort to improve behavioral health care delivery.
For more information, visit:
www.amerihealthcaritasde.com
www.brandywinecounseling.com
Media Contacts:
Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc.
Lynn M. Morrison, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware
Derrick Stokes, Media Relations
[email protected]
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