CMS Creates New Medicaid State Plan Option For CCBHC Services

On October 6, 2026, the Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) wrote a letter to the state Medicaid director issuing guidance on a new state option to add Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services to Medicaid state plans. The option was authorized by section 209 in Title I of Division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 enacted on March 9. The new state plan benefit is based on a preexisting demonstration program that covers services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries by clinics that are certified by their states as meeting specific CCBHC criteria . . .