CareSource Partnership Boosts Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

CareSource has partnered with CKF Addiction Treatment to improve member access to substance use disorder treatment in Central Kansas.

“Our shared commitment to decreasing substance use disorder in Kansas by breaking down barriers to services and decreasing stigmas around addiction is at the heart of this partnership,” Chad Moore, president of CareSource in Kansas, said in the press release. “This is a step forward in transforming health care and addressing the social determinants of health, health equity, prevention, and access to care.”

The collaboration includes a $200,000 donation from the payer and aims to increase screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment processes. The partnership will help identify patients who have experienced overdose or are at heightened risk of overdose and coordinate resources to allow for smooth care transitions.

Members in Central Kansas will have access to transportation services to ensure they can access local services and attend follow-up visits.

CKF Addiction Treatment has also increased access to telehealth and integrated its services within HaysMed’s emergency room, a hospital located in Hays, Kansas.

“HaysMed is fortunate to have collaborated with CKF and CareSource to help provide this important patient care opportunity. By working closely with CKF and CareSource, HaysMed strives to contribute to the well-being of our community by expanding the scope of available treatments and ensuring that individuals facing addiction receive the care and support necessary for their recovery journey,” Heather Harris, DO, ACOFP, medical director with HaysMed, said.

“The expanded treatment options for addiction medicine mark a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to offer comprehensive and accessible health care services in Western Kansas. We recognize the importance of addressing addiction issues and are dedicated to providing effective treatment solutions for individuals in need.”

According to data from KFF, the drug overdose death rate in Kansas has more than doubled from 10.1 per 100,000 residents in 2011 to 24.3 per 100,000 in 2021. In addition, the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform has reported significant financial vulnerability among rural hospitals in Kansas, with many facilities facing financial losses on patient services and closure risks.

The partnership between CareSource and CKF Addiction Treatment and the integration with HaysMed aim to address these trends by boosting access to substance use disorder treatment in Kansas.