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2019 Session

Budget Amendments - SB1100 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Hanger
Licensed Mental Health Professional Reimbursement Rates

Item 303 #11s

Item 303 #11s

First Year - FY2019 Second Year - FY2020
Health and Human Resources
Department of Medical Assistance Services FY2019 $0 FY2020 $3,300,000 GF
FY2019 $0 FY2020 $3,300,000 NGF

Language
Page 315, line 7, strike "$14,974,837,166" and insert "$14,981,437,166".

Page 342, after line 27, insert:

"YYY.  Effective July 1, 2019, the Department of Medical Assistance Services shall amend the State Plan for Medical Assistance to increase the rates for licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) who provide behavioral health services to 100 percent of Medicare rates. The rate paid to psychologists shall be 90 percent of physician rates and the rate for licensed clinical social workers shall be 75 percent of physician rates.  The department shall have the authority to implement these reimbursement changes prior to the completion of the regulatory process."



Explanation

(This amendment provides $3.3 million from the general fund and a like amount of federal Medicaid matching funds to increase the Medicaid rates for licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs), psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. These rates are lower than Medicare and commercial rates, resulting in fewer providers accepting Medicaid patients in need of these services.)