Enhancing Access to Behavioral Health for Children in Medicaid

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a comprehensive toolkit aimed at enhancing access to behavioral health services for children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This strategic guidance encompasses crucial areas such as early screening, intervention, care coordination, crisis services, telehealth, and workforce capacity.

Additionally, the toolkit underscores the significance of utilization management and reimbursement in supporting Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements. CMS recommends that states ensure Medicaid managed care plans have robust payment systems. This ensures that provider networks remain sufficient and access to necessary EPSDT services is both prompt and reliable.