Representatives from the Iowa Primary Care Association briefed the Madison County Board on the new statewide Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BHASO/ASO) that took effect July 1.

Liza Maxwell, district leader with the association, said the ASO replaces the previous regional structure and aims to preserve the provider network, centralize system navigation, and streamline payments to providers. Maxwell said a primary goal is to keep providers in place and make it easier for residents to find help.

Maxwell described "Your Life Iowa," the state navigation phone line and warm-handoff system that connects callers to system navigators who can make referrals and follow up. Maxwell provided the phone number: (855) 581-8111, and offered to leave flyers and email materials for county distribution. She said system navigators are free and available statewide and that Madison County has a lead behavioral health navigator on the local team.

Board members asked how funding and billing would work; Maxwell and consultant Ben Woodworth said provider payments are handled through state funding and the SNMIS system for underinsured clients, and that the ASO’s role is to fund access and sustainability rather than use county funds directly.

The presenters emphasized warm handoffs to disability access points when longer-term services are needed and said the ASO covers seven districts statewide under the new arrangement.