Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Impact
The passage of H8245 would directly impact the state's medical assistance program by integrating licensed social workers more thoroughly into the Medicaid system. This could lead to increased availability of mental health services for adults within the Medicaid program, fulfilling a critical need for professional support in mental health situations. It aims to remove barriers that might currently prevent social workers from effectively providing care to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Summary
House Bill 8245 aims to amend Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws concerning Medical Assistance in Rhode Island. The bill enables licensed independent clinical social workers to enroll in and bill Medicaid directly for services provided to adults who are covered by Medicaid fee-for-service. This significant change is intended to enhance the accessibility of mental health services by allowing social workers to operate directly within the Medicaid reimbursement system, thus expanding the range of professionals available to assist patients.
Contention
While specific points of contention regarding H8245 are not documented in the provided materials, potential discussions may arise surrounding reimbursement rates set by the state, the qualifications required for social workers, and the overall capacity of Medicaid to handle increased billing from an expanded array of healthcare providers. Stakeholders in the healthcare community may debate the implications of state funding and the expected outcomes in terms of service availability and quality.