Health and Fitness : State of Iowa Launches New Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems

Today, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launches its newly designed Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems. Now Iowans, no matter where in the state they live, can access the same sets of mental health, substance use, problem gambling, and disability support services.

Behavioral Health Service System

Beginning today, Iowans without insurance-or with limited coverage-can access care through the new Behavioral Health Service System. To streamline care delivery, the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization (BH-ASO), Iowa Primary Care Association, will handle administrative tasks, allowing behavioral health providers to focus more on delivering high-quality care.

All Iowans can use Your Life Iowa for 24/7 support through calls, texts, or online chat. In addition, Your Life Iowa will be able to connect Iowans to Behavioral Health System Navigators to help connect individuals to services and resources in their communities.

Disability Services System

Coordination of disability services now lives with Iowa's new Disability Access Points (DAPs), which are part of the state's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network. DAPs assist individuals and families by providing information, making referrals, creating service plans, and ensuring ongoing support so Iowans can live healthy, independent lives.

Iowa HHS has worked closely with DAPs to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for individuals previously served by the Mental Health and Disability Services Regions.

"By redesigning the state's behavioral health system, we ensure that every Iowan can access the care they need, regardless of where they enter," said Governor Kim Reynolds. "This approach enables better coordination of care and supports the best possible outcomes for each individual. It's what Iowans deserve, and it's what we intend to deliver."

"At Iowa HHS, we've been fully committed to reimagining and transforming our systems to be truly person-centered-and today, we're seeing that vision become a reality," said Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia. "Iowans now have easier, more seamless access to the care they need, when and where they need it."

To learn more about Iowa's Behavioral Health Service System visit: hhs.iowa.gov/ibhss

To learn more about Iowa's Disability Service System, visit: hhs.iowa.gov/disability-service-system