Behavioral Health Organization

Acronym: BHO

For the purposes of the Contract is inclusive of mental health and substance use disorders. Behavioral Health Organizations (BHOs) are specialty managed care organizations that provide mental health and substance abuse treatment services to individuals. State Medicaid agencies may contract directly with BHO to provide and manage behavioral health services to Medicaid beneficiaries, or Medicaid managed care organizations may subcontract with a BHO. In either contracting arrangement, the BHO maintains a distinct provider network, coverage rules, administrative services, and other insurance functions.