A bill for an act relating to Medicaid and children's health insurance program coverage for mental health services provided in school-based settings.
Impact
If enacted, SF478 would expand the range of mental health services available to children in school settings to include individual, family, and group therapy, as well as prevention and case management services. This expansion is particularly crucial for rural and under-resourced schools, which often struggle to provide adequate mental health services. By allowing access irrespective of diagnosis, the bill could help identify and support children's mental health needs earlier, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes.
Summary
Senate File 478 (SF478) proposes significant changes to Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for mental health services delivered in school-based settings. This bill is aligned with the provisions of the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which aims to enhance access to mental health services for children. The legislation mandates that the state's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand coverage to all children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, rather than limiting it to those with formal mental health diagnoses or individualized education programs.
Conclusion
Overall, SF478 represents a proactive step towards improving mental health care access for children by formalizing the provision of these services in school settings across the state. Its successful implementation may depend on an effective collaboration between state agencies and local educational institutions, as well as addressing possible financial concerns from stakeholders regarding the long-term viability of such programs.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SF478 may arise from the fiscal implications of implementing these expanded services. Critics may raise concerns about the sustainability of funding and the adequacy of training for school personnel to deliver such services effectively. Additionally, discussions may center around the need for collaboration between HHS and local school districts to ensure that the tailored needs of each district are met while maintaining fidelity to the proposed service standards.
A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2509, HSB 653.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.
To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.