In February 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) asking for input from stakeholders (PDF, 304KB) on how the agency can improve access to services furnished through state Medicaid programs and support the workforce of professionals enrolled to provide health care services through these programs. On April 18, APA Services issued a response to this RFI offering several recommendations (PDF, 269KB) to support underserved areas, populations, and communities that often rely on these programs as their sole source of access to mental health treatment.
APA Services asked CMS to update federal guidance on Medicaid coverage of services provided in schools and to set rigorous network adequacy standards for mental health and substance use services in Medicaid with sufficient attention and resources to conduct regular oversight and enforcement. Additionally, the RFI response called on CMS to issue guidance on how states can preserve or expand coverage of mental and behavioral health services provided via telehealth and lessen unnecessary administrative burdens on providers by reconsidering the current approach to implementing the No Surprises Act.
APA Services will continue working with CMS on pathways to increase coverage of mental and behavioral health services through Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program and support the workforce of mental health professionals through these programs.
For more information, contact Andrew Strickland.