The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded 14 states grants of $1 million to plan Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
The funding will support states in establishing certification processes for community behavioral health clinics, according to a Jan. 7 news release from HHS. The funding will also help states establish prospective payment systems for Medicaid reimbursement and prepare an application to participate in a four-year Medicaid demonstration.
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program provides higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for community mental health centers. There are currently 18 states participating in the program.
There are more than 500 community behavioral health centers. To qualify as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, centers must provide 24/7 crisis care and outpatient services within 10 days.
Of the 14 states receiving planning grants, 10 will be selected to join the Medicaid demonstration model in 2026, according to HHS.
The following states received grant funding: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.