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2019 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1700 (Floor Approved)

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Medicaid Behavioral Health Services Realignment (language only)

Item 303 #4h

Item 303 #4h

Health and Human Resources
Department of Medical Assistance Services

Language

Page 342, after line 27, insert:

"YYY.1. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall work with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and stakeholders to develop and implement the continuum of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and cost-effective mental health services recommended by the University of Colorado Farley Center for Health Policy that will result in the best outcomes for Medicaid and FAMIS members. This continuum shall include Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (including Early Intervention Services) and integrated behavioral health in primary care and school settings.

2.  The department shall develop the necessary waiver(s) and the State Plan amendments under Titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to fulfill this item, including but not limited to, changes to the medical necessity criteria, services covered, provider qualifications, and reimbursement methodologies and rates for Community Mental Health and Rehabilitation Services. The department shall work with its contractors, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and appropriate stakeholders to develop service definitions, utilization review criteria, provider qualifications, and rates and reimbursement methodologies.

3.  Prior to the submission of any state plan amendment or waivers to implement these changes, the Department of Medical Assistance Services and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall submit a plan detailing the changes in provider rates, new services added and any other programmatic or cost changes to the Chairmen of the House Appropriation and Senate Finance Committees. The departments shall submit this report no later than December 1, 2019.

4. Upon approval of the 2020 General Assembly and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the department shall have authority to implement these changes."



Explanation

(This amendment adds language authorizing the realignment of behavioral health services to ensure the system supports evidence-based, trauma-informed, prevention-focused and cost-effective services for individuals served across the lifespan. Language requires a plan on the changes in provider rates, new services and other programmatic or cost changes to the chairmen of the money committees by December 1, 2019. Upon approval of the 2020 General Assembly and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the agency shall have the authority to implement such changes. This is a recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee Studying Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century.)