Managed Care · MD
Baltimore Launches Alternative 911 Response for Health Crises
Baltimore is creating a new 911 response service designed to address health crises before they escalate. The city will deploy alternative responders when people call 911 for certain health-related emergencies. The initiative aims to connect individuals to appropriate health services rather than traditional emergency response. For Medicaid managed care organizations and behavioral health providers, this represents a shift in crisis intervention that may affect emergency department utilization, care coordination requirements, and community-based crisis response networks.
Why it mattersThis alternative response model will require MCOs and behavioral health providers to coordinate with new city crisis responders and may reduce avoidable emergency department visits among Medicaid enrollees.