For many community-based organizations (CBOs), Medicaid represents an opportunity to expand access to services and strengthen financial sustainability. However, becoming a Medicaid provider often requires substantial financial and organizational investment before reimbursement is possible. As a result, CBOs should carefully assess their readiness and consider whether building internal Medicaid billing capacity, partnering with an established provider, or pursuing a combination of these approaches, offers the most sustainable path forward. For CBOs pursuing partnerships, the next step is identifying potential partners and developing an engagement strategy.

This tipsheet, developed by the Center for Health Care Strategies in partnership with The McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University, draws on lessons from technical assistance provided to CBOs in Michigan and Wisconsin seeking to expand access to peer support and harm reduction services for Medicaid members through health care partnerships. It outlines practical approaches to help prepare CBOs for partnerships, communicate their value, identify partners, and build sustainable relationships. While informed by the experiences of organizations focused on mental health and substance use disorder, the strategies are broadly relevant to CBOs interested in partnering with health care organizations. The resource was developed through support from Vital Strategies.