Under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, CMS can add 10 states to the model every two years. The demonstration program grants community mental health centers Medicaid reimbursements at higher rates than they would otherwise receive. The funding also allows centers to provide more comprehensive services, according to a June 4 news release from HHS.
Eight states already participate in the program. The following 10 states are being added to the model: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics must provide a comprehensive range of services, including 24-7 crisis care and routine outpatient care available within 10 business days. The first community clinics were funded by Medicaid in 2017. There are now more than 500 community behavioral health clinics in 46 states, according to HHS.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.