CMS to launch new Medicaid behavioral health model in up to 8 states

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will select up to eight states to participate in a new Medicaid model to launch this fall for adult Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The eight-year model aims to better integrate physical, behavioral and social services to improve patient outcomes and reduce emergency department visits. Participating community mental health centers, opioid treatment programs, safety net providers and other practices will receive funding to implement the model, including support for needed upgrades to health IT and electronic health records, practice transformation activities and staffing. CMS expects to announce the funding opportunity this spring. For more on the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model, see the CMS fact sheet and FAQs.