The Georgia Families 360°SM program represents Georgia’s commitment to providing comprehensive managed care for approximately 27,000 of its most vulnerable young residents. This initiative specifically caters to children, youth, and young adults within the foster care system, those receiving adoption assistance, and select youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Launched on March 3, 2014, this program is administered by Amerigroup Community Care of Georgia, a leading Care Management Organization (CMO) in the state, ensuring crucial healthcare coverage for these specific populations.
The core objectives of the Georgia Families 360° program are centered around enhancing the healthcare experience and outcomes for its members. These objectives include:
- Improved Healthcare Access: The program prioritizes and facilitates access to essential healthcare services, with a particular focus on both physical and behavioral health services covered under Medicaid. This ensures that members can readily receive the medical and mental health support they require.
- Continuity of Care: Recognizing the often transient nature of foster care, the program is designed to significantly increase continuity of care. This is vital for members as they transition in and out of foster care, ensuring their health management remains consistent and uninterrupted.
- Enhanced Health Outcomes: Through proactive care coordination and diligent oversight of both physical and behavioral health, Georgia Families 360° aims to enhance the overall health outcomes for its members. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a member’s health are addressed and managed effectively.
To achieve these goals, the Georgia Families 360° program offers a range of services designed to improve care coordination, access, and health results for each member:
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Medical and Dental Homes: Every member is provided with a designated medical and dental home. This foundational element promotes consistency and continuity of care by ensuring each member has a primary care provider (PCP) and a primary dental provider, either selected by the member or assigned to them.
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Regional Care Coordination Teams: To navigate the complexities of healthcare and related services, each member is supported by Regional Care Coordination Teams. These teams are crucial in coordinating care and scheduling necessary appointments, acting as a central point of contact and support.
- Collaborative Approach: Each care coordination team works in close collaboration with professionals from the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). They also partner with affiliated providers across the state to ensure a joined-up approach to care.
- Health Care Planning and Monitoring: These teams are instrumental in developing personalized health care plans in partnership with DFCS agency staff, foster parents, and young adult members themselves. They are also responsible for the ongoing monitoring and measurement of each member’s health outcomes, ensuring proactive management and adjustments as needed. All stakeholders, especially the members as they mature, are actively involved in their health care plans and transition plans, guaranteeing their physical and behavioral health needs are comprehensively met.
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24/7 Intake Line: Recognizing the immediate needs that can arise, a 24/7 Intake Line is available. This vital resource is dedicated to calls from foster and adoptive parents, caregivers, providers, and members themselves, providing round-the-clock support and guidance.
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Ombudsman Support: For additional assistance in navigating the healthcare system, Ombudsman staff are readily available at both the Department of Community Health (DCH) and Amerigroup. They act as advocates and guides, supporting caregivers and members in understanding and utilizing the healthcare system effectively.
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Rigorous Medication Management: The program implements robust medication management protocols, with a particular focus on the appropriate and carefully monitored use of psychotropic and ADD/ADHD medications within the Georgia Families 360° population. This ensures responsible and effective medication practices.
By providing these comprehensive services and maintaining a strong focus on coordinated care, the Georgia Families 360° program strives to make a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of Georgia’s children and youth in foster care, adoption assistance, and the juvenile justice system.
