That is precisely what is happening with the AZ Southern Crisis Line. AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) is allowing the RBHA’s (Regional Behavioral Health Authority) to select a statewide crisis line vendor for the 988 rollouts coming this summer; Centene Corporation. 

Centene purchased the southern Arizona crisis line and changed the name to Envolve People Care. The insurance company will take over portions of the RBHA’s crisis services. They are bypassing Solari, a non-profit that has successfully provided crisis line services to AZ since 2007. The issue is that Solari is a neutral third party, while Centene will pay itself to offer these same crisis line services. This is clearly a conflict of interest.

JEM is extremely concerned Centene does not have the expertise or the ability to handle the volume of the 988 rollouts that will provide a three-digit number for those struggling with thoughts of suicide. Furthermore, Centene does not have the regional experience, nor are they accredited through organizations like the American Association of Suicidology or the International Council for Helplines. Their only experience has been providing crisis services in southern AZ. 

Centene has a reputation for fraud, settling a 27.6 million dollar lawsuit with Medicaid in 2021, along with RICO charges that were filed against them in 2020. This is extremely disturbing, primarily because Solari has successfully provided crisis line services for AZ for several years. They are also accredited through the organizations listed above. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want an insurance company with a reputation like Centene in charge of a crisis line. If you are unfamiliar with the company like we were, you can read about them here:

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2021/06/28/lavishly-paid-and-unapologetic-company-at-center-of-medicaid-scandal-focuses-on-profits/

https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/strategy/centene-health-net-lawyers-slapped-11b-rico-suit

https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/07/medicaid-giant-centene-settles-fraud-allegations-with-kansas-for-27-6m/

Do you want this company caring for your loved one dealing with a mental health crisis?

Please contact AHCCCS and request that they prohibit a health plan from contracting with its own subsidiary to provide crisis services to Arizonans. You can contact them via email at:

oifa@azahcccs.gov– Office of Individual and Family Affairs 

Heidi.capriotti@azahcccs.gov – Public Information Officer 

Thank you!