New Guidance on Medicaid Payment for Mobile Crisis Services Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to state Medicaid officials on the scope of and payments for qualifying community-based mobile crisis intervention services authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  The guidance describes the requirements for qualifying services and provider qualifications, options for provider payments, and the requirements for receiving an increased federal share of costs.  States are encouraged to take into account additional travel time when developing services for rural areas.  Research has found higher proportions of rural populations have mental illness and substance use disorder compared to urban as well as challenges accessing care.