Legislation to Expand Collaborative Care Model Heard in Senate HHS Committee

April 9, 2026

On April 9, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard a bill that would require coverage for psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) services under Medical Assistance.  

The CoCM is an evidence-based, team-based approach that integrates behavioral health into primary care by connecting providers with behavioral health care managers and psychiatric consultants. This model improves access to timely treatment, strengthens care coordination, and leads to better patient outcomes. Dozens of studies have demonstrated that CoCM is both clinically effective and cost-efficient. Analyses from the University of Washington AIMS Center estimate that every $1 invested in collaborative care leads to approximately $6.50 in overall healthcare savings. 

CoCM is already covered by most commercial insurers and Medicaid programs in many other states, and without action, Minnesota risks falling behind in expanding access to timely, integrated behavioral healthcare for its most vulnerable populations. 

The MMA joined several other medical societies and healthcare systems in expressing strong support for SF 8 (Boldon, DFL – Rochester) to ensure coverage for CoCM services under Medical Assistance, enabling broader adoption of this evidence-based approach across primary care settings. 

The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future committee omnibus bill.