Ten states added to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Medicaid Demonstration Program
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Blaire Bryant
Naomi Freel
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Key Takeaways
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced that ten new states have joined the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. This significant expansion aims to enhance access to mental health and substance use services across the country. The new states include Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont.
These states have successfully developed the necessary infrastructure and programs to meet CCBHC standards, providing a comprehensive range of behavioral health services to residents. The expansion supports ongoing efforts to address the national mental health and addiction crises. CCBHCs are a crucial component in addressing the behavioral health crisis by ensuring individuals receive timely, coordinated and comprehensive care.
Impact on counties
The inclusion of ten new states expands the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program. Counties in these states will experience:
- Increased funding: Counties will benefit from sustainable Medicaid funding, allowing for expanded behavioral health services.
- Improved public health: Enhanced access to mental health and substance use services will contribute to overall community wellness.
- Reduced emergency burden: CCBHCs can decrease the reliance on emergency rooms and county jails by providing timely outpatient care and crisis intervention.
- Homelessness and substance use reduction: Evidence shows that CCBHCs help reduce homelessness and substance use disorders in the communities they serve.
- Enhanced community safety: By addressing mental health and substance use issues, CCBHCs contribute to improved public safety and social stability.
- Efficient resource utilization: Counties can expect a more efficient use of healthcare resources, reducing fragmented care and associated costs.
Looking ahead
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S.2938) enabled this expansion, allowing HHS to add ten new states to the CCBHC program every two years. In March 2023, SAMHSA awarded 15 CCBHC state planning grants, with additional grants expected to be awarded early in Fiscal Year 2025. This continued growth will further support the adoption of the CCBHC model across the country, ensuring more communities have access to vital behavioral health services.
Resource
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and County Governments
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