Hub and spoke model to treat substance disorders
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is collaborating with three healthcare providers in different areas of the state, to pilot a new approach to treating eligible BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid members who have substance use disorders, and at least one other health condition.
These providers will use an innovative “hub and spoke” program design, to expand beyond traditional substance use disorder treatment services. The pilot sites will use a “hub and spoke” model to provide integrated services, that give eligible members rapid access to comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment, primary care and other needed supports to assist their recovery.
“It is past time to get folks the help they need in the way they need it and we are excited to bring this proven strategy to Wisconsin,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “By connecting the dots between substance use disorder treatment and other services, this new model will help us move the needle on ensuring access and effective care for our Wisconsin neighbors, who are currently struggling.”
In the hub and spoke model, an organization takes the lead as a “hub” on the care of the Wisconsinites in their program, ensuring that substance use disorder treatment and other healthcare needs are addressed. The hub then works with a network of “spoke” organizations which provide a range of services that are customized to support each individual’s unique circumstances.
Wisconsin has worked since 2018, to develop this innovative model of care. Authorized by 2019 Wisconsin Act 9, the model is an evidence-based approach that has been proven in other states to be effective in addressing opioid use disorders.
“It shifts treatment away from a short-term, episodic, acute care approach to focus on ongoing integrated treatment and support,” said DHS secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Our three pilot sites will lead the way in implementing this new model of coordinating care for people with substance use disorders. What these sites learn, will help us continue to improve and expand, the benefits and services we support.”
The three hub sites, chosen from a field of 17 applicants from across the state, will pilot the new benefit in three different regions. The hubs represent one rural site, one tribal site and one urban site, selected deliberately to help Wisconsin understand how this care coordination model will work in a variety of environments, to inform a future statewide approach.
Wisconsin seeks to gather at least two and a half years of data through the pilot, in order to inform creation of a permanent benefit. The DHS will closely monitor outcomes on an ongoing basis, and will do formal program evaluation to assess the need for changes or expansion.
Members must meet certain criteria in order to take advantage of the new benefit. The ability to accept referred members may be limited during the pilot based on the capacity of the three hubs.
