Maine Barriers to Integration Study: The View from Maine on the Barriers to Integrated Care and Recommendations for Moving Forward

Following up on the Environmental Scan report (http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/Publications/rural/Barriers-to-Integration-E...), the authors interviewed representatives from Maine's business community, payers, purchasers, professional associations, state legislators, advocacy organizations, state government, and provider organizations. The interviews provided a context to understand the barriers to integration in Maine and develop recommendations to overcome them. This Final Report presents key findings from the study, recommendations for addressing barriers, and next steps for moving forward. This study recognizes the need for integration of behavioral and physical health services in all settings. Although most discussions of integration focus on the development of behavioral health services in primary care settings, this study acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with chronic and/or severe behavioral health problems in obtaining vital physical and primary health care.