AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, NET Centers Team Up for First-of-its-Kind Program to Provide Integrated Medical and Substance Use Disorder Care

AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware members hospitalized with substance use disorder now have the ability to transition to a lower level of care while receiving both medically necessary treatment and support.

This program, which is the only of its kind in the nation, combines medical care and substance use treatment in one setting for Medicaid members.

People dealing with substance use disorder often face long hospital stays because they need IV antibiotics and other care. Until now, step-down options have been limited, leaving substance use untreated during hospitalization and driving up costs.

Through the new partnership, AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware will be able to refer stable, transition-ready members to the NET Centers Addiction Recovery Services location in Wilmington, where they will receive needed physical health care, including IV antibiotics, along with substance abuse treatment. The site is dedicating eight of its 28 beds to this new partnership, ensuring timely access to specialized care.

Potentially eligible members include those with:

• Serious flesh/open wounds, often from Xylazine
• IV ports due to their substance use or other underlying health conditions
• Endocarditis, sepsis, osteomyelitis, and septicemia

Referred members receive medical care along with long-term stabilization and any needed withdrawal management treatment while addressing the root causes of their substance use disorder.

“This joint effort reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes for Delawareans with complex medical and behavioral health needs,” said AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware Market President Emmilyn Nesmith. “By working with NET Centers, we’re helping members get the right care in the right setting, reducing unnecessary hospital stays, freeing up space for patients with acute medical needs, and keeping care close to home.”

NET Centers provides a full range of behavioral health and addiction recovery services to adults and families at locations in Delaware and Philadelphia, including inpatient detox, outpatient treatment, and community-based programs.

“NET Centers is proud to partner with AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware to provide an integrated treatment approach for some of Delaware’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Stefan Zonia, VP of Delaware Services, Northeast Treatment Centers. “This initiative addresses the long-standing gap in care for people who experience both substance use and significant physical health symptoms. This partnership is an important commitment from both sides to the develop a system that does not leave these people in need behind.”

AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware members may contact Member Services at 1-844-211-0966 (TTY 1-855-349-6281) for more information about this program and other health plan benefits and services.