CMS Releases Informational Bulletin on Opportunities for Improving Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services for Medicaid and CHIP Enrollees Experiencing Homelessness

View in browser | Distributed by Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) As one of the largest sources of funding for mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment,[i] Medicaid offers significant opportunities for improving access to MH and SUD treatment and recovery support. Many individuals experiencing homelessness are eligible for Medicaid,[ii] and the comprehensive coverage of treatment and services for mental illness and SUDs that Medicaid can provide is especially critical for enrollees with mental illness and/or SUDs who are experiencing homelessness. To encourage state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies to expand their efforts to increase access to MH and SUD treatment and support services among Medicaid and CHIP eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness, today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) Informational Bulletin (CIB) to highlight recent opportunities in Medicaid and CHIP for enhancing access to MH and SUD treatment and services for enrollees. CMS urges states to review the CIB and to consider leveraging available Medicaid and CHIP opportunities to improve access to MH and SUD services for individuals experiencing homelessness.   [i] Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Healthcare Expenditures for Treatment of Mental Disorders: Estimates for Adults Ages 18 and Older, U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population, 2019. Statistical Brief #539. Feb. 2022. https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_files/publications/st539/stat539.pdf; Davis, K. Expenditures for Treatment of Mental Health Disorders among Children, Ages 5–17, 2009–2011: Estimates for the U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population. Statistical Brief #440. June 2014. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD http://www.meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/data_files/publications/st440/stat440.shtml . [ii] See, e.g., Kushel, M., Moore, T., et al. Toward a New Understanding: The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness. UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. June 2023.https://homelessness.ucsf.edu/sites/default/files/2023-06/CASPEH_Report_62023.pdf. Stay connected with Medicaid.gov and CMS: Modify/Update Subscriber Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Contact Us   Questions or problems? Please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This e-mail was sent to edwardlorilla1986.paxforex@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (410-786-5473) · 7500 Security Boulevard · Baltimore MD 21244