Definitions

Definitions. As used in this Act: "Behavioral health providers" includes providers of mental health, substance use disorder, developmental disabilities, and autism services for purposes of this Act, but does not change any other legal, programmatic, diagnostic, or clinical provisions defining or relating to coverage of such services. "Department" means the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. "Health care providers" means individuals and organizations that provide physical, mental, or substance use disorder services, or services supporting social determinants of health. "Health equity" means providing care that does not vary in quality because of personal characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, geographic location, and socioeconomic status. "Service deserts" means geographic areas of the State with no or limited Medicaid providers that accept Medicaid. "Social determinants of health" means any conditions that impact an individual's health, including, but not limited to, access to healthy food, safety, education, and housing stability. "Stakeholders" means, but are not limited to, health care providers, advocacy organizations, managed care organizations, Medicaid beneficiaries, and State and city partners.(Source: P.A. 104-470, eff. 7-1-26.)