Researcher: MF Page 1 3/23/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 764
AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID PROVIDERS.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Department of Social Services (DSS) to make
changes under the state’s Medicaid program affecting various types of
providers.
It requires the DSS commissioner to amend the Medicaid state plan
by October 1, 2021, to include services provided by licensed
acupuncturists and licensed chiropractors as covered Medicaid
services. It also requires her to adjust Medicaid reimbursement rates so
that (1) licensed nurse-midwifes receive the same rates as licensed
obstetrician-gynecologists for performing the same services or
procedures and (2) licensed podiatrists receive the same rates as
licensed physicians for performing the same services or procedures.
The commissioner must seek federal approval to amend the Medicaid
state plan, if needed, to adjust the reimbursement rates for the nurse-
midwifes and podiatrists.
Under the bill, the DSS commissioner must amend the Medicaid
state plan to integrate services provided by peer support specialists
into care teams funded under the medical assistance program and
provide Medicaid reimbursement for these services. Under the bill,
peer support service is a recovery-focused behavioral health service
that allows an individual the opportunity to learn to manage his or her
recovery with help from a peer support specialist who may have
experience recovering from mental illness or substance use disorder.
The bill eliminates a provision under current law requiring
Medicaid payments for methadone maintenance to be contingent on
providers meeting certain performance measures. Under current law,
failure to meet department-identified standards on performance 2021SB-00764-R000109-BA.DOCX
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measures results in 5% rate reductions for the second half of 2020 and
10% rate reductions beginning January 1, 2021.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage, except provisions on methadone
maintenance and peer support specialists are effective July 1, 2021.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Human Services Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 14 Nay 5 (03/09/2021)