State Medicaid Plans Can Cover Behavioral Health Peer Support Services While Beneficiaries Are At An ER Or Hospitalized

In a policy update, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) encouraged states to expand the availability and use of Medicaid peer support services for beneficiaries with behavioral health disorders by covering the services in emergency room or inpatient settings. CMS also encouraged states to ensure that payment rates for peer support services are sufficient to support a living wage for peer support members of care teams. ;

Medicaid peer support services can be provided for adults, youth, and families experiencing mental illness and/or addiction disorder. Peer services are intended to be a component of a comprehensive mental . . .