Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

On May 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Informational Bulletin encouraging states to leverage available opportunities in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for eligible individuals experiencing homelessness. Topics covered include: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration ; Section 1115 Demonstrations for Improving Community Reentry Following Incarceration ; Addressing Health-Related Social Needs ; Section 1115 Demonstrations Focusing on Improving Treatment for Substance Use ; Additional Resources

On November 16, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CMCS Informational Bulletin (CIB), "Coverage of Services and Supports to Address Health-Related Social Needs in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)." This guidance outlines a framework of services and supports to address health-related social needs (HRSN) that CMS considers allowable under specific Medicaid and CHIP authorities. These flexibilities, and accompanying safeguards to protect program and fiscal integrity, provide opportunities for states to improve consistent access to needed care, health outcomes, and health equity among Medicaid and CHIP enrollees by addressing HRSN in a manner that complements...