Based on the approval of the New Jersey State Plan Amendment (SPA) on March 12, 2015, Care Plus NJ, Inc. (Care Plus NJ) is the first state-certified agency to provide integrated Behavioral Health care services to individuals residing in Bergen County with severe mental illnesses through their Behavioral Health Home (BHH) model.
This public support activities effort makes health care services more affordable and available to those individuals with serious mental illness that need the services and might not otherwise be able to afford them.
“Bergen County was selected as the first county for this initiative,” explained Joe Masciandaro, CEO at Care Plus NJ. “We are proud that the Care Plus NJ BHH model is the first in the state to be recognized.”
Care Plus NJ has been a leader in the integrated mind and body approach to wellness since 2010 when the agency was awarded a grant from the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through that funding, Care Plus NJ was able to develop proven integrated treatment care regimens that produced favorable outcome measures including: normal blood pressure, reduction of emergency room visits, participation in wellness programs, and a positive perception of care.
“Being a pioneer isn’t new for us at Care Plus NJ,” Masciandaro continues, “we have also spearheaded the county-wide Stigma-Free Initiative in local communities. Care Plus NJ has taken a strong role in developing the foundation for this initiative, and we are taking the action to further these efforts through our dedication to providing the most optimal service for those who live with Behavioral Health challenges.”
The State funded BHH model only provides coverage to a select group of individuals affected by serious mental illness. What distinguishes Care Plus NJ is the newly formed Health Management Solutions team that is looking to leverage this model to the outliers of state coverage including commercial insurers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and ACOs.
Care Plus NJ Health Management Solutions is developing the capacity to ensure that any individual who may benefit from coordinated physical and behavioral healthcare will have access. These efforts will help to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Services include a professional team of medical and behavioral health experts that work together to best serve the individual and their recovery.
If you work with someone who may benefit from these services, please contact the Health Management Solutions Team: Jessica Shea at (201) 796-9479, Sean Sundberg at (201) 478-4162, or Kathy Bianco at (201) 986-5032.
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in Behavioral Healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
