Under the Affordable Care Act, states may apply for federal funding to provide “Health Homes” to Medicaid participants with chronic illnesses. The demonstration is eligible for 90% Federal funding for two years for defined medical home related services. MO HealthNet’s model described in the Health Home Service Provider Application is under review by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is a work in progress until approved by CMS. The Initiative is being undertaken to:

• implement and evaluate the Patient Centered Medical Health Home (PCHH) model as a means to achieve accessible, high quality primary care;
• demonstrate cost-effectiveness in order to justify and support the sustainability and spread of the model, and
• support primary care practices by increasing available resources and improving care are coordination thus improving the quality of clinician work life and patient outcomes.

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) seeks Primary care Practice Sites comprised of licensed physicians, collaborating with other licensed health care professionals including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, to serve as Health Homes for MO HealthNet eligible participants. All applications must be submitted by July, 11 2011.