Wisconsin Health News

The Department of Health Services is asking organizations to apply to pilot a new addiction treatment model of care for Medicaid members, according to a Monday statement. 

The organizations will pilot a hub-and-spoke model of care. 

Under the model, the organization will serve as a “hub,” offering more intensive substance use disorder treatment. They’ll then work with a network of “spokes,” which will provide less intensive care and other services.

“Piloting the hub-and-spoke model is the next step in integrating quality healthcare for individuals with a substance use disorder,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. 

The state’s current budget directs the agency to pursue the model, which was recommended by former Gov. Scott Walker’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse.

The task force was co-chaired by Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, and former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. 

The deadline to apply is Aug. 24. DHS will fund up to three pilots. The agency will announce the successful sites in October.