Article Summary –
The federal agency overseeing Montana’s Medicaid program has approved three expansions to cover additional services for Montanans dealing with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The expansions include housing support services for those with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders, 30 days of pre-release healthcare for people leaving state prisons, and incentive-based treatment for people addicted to stimulants. These expansions are part of Governor Greg Gianforte’s broader HEART Initiative, a 2021 plan designed to improve the state’s treatment programs for addiction and mental health.
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Resources Expand in Montana
The federal agency governing Montana Medicaid granted approval for Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration’s request to increase services for residents with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The move is part of a multi-year effort to fill healthcare system gaps using state and federal funds.
Expanded Public Insurance Program Funding
The state Department of Public Health and Human Services announced Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s approval for three expansions in public insurance program funding. The approved expansions include housing support services for individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorder, 30 days of pre-release health care for prisoners, and therapeutic “contingency management,” an incentive-based treatment for stimulant addictions.
Gianforte’s HEART Initiative
The approved expansions are a component of Gianforte’s HEART Initiative, a 2021 plan to enhance addiction and mental health treatment. The recently approved measures are the result of ongoing negotiations between state and federal health officials.
Special Exceptions for Medicaid Funding
Medicaid has stringent restrictions on funding healthcare services in jails, prisons and for housing. However, many states, including Montana, are seeking special waivers to these rules. At present, 20 states have waivers in place to expand services for populations involved in the corrections system.
New Provisions for Pre-Release Services
Montana’s new provision allows for pre-release clinical consultation, case management, opioid use disorder treatment, and a 30-day supply of medication upon release. This provision and the reimbursement for contingency management are expected to take effect in fall.
Housing Support for Individuals with Mental Illnesses and Addiction
The state’s waiver applies to those at-risk of losing housing, currently unhoused, recent institutional setting occupants, frequent hospital emergency department visitors, and those with a history of incarceration or homelessness. The housing support program will begin next year, reimbursing providers who assist with housing eligibility assessment, support plans, financial resources, transition fees, and landlord-tenant communication.
Implications for County Detention Centers
Some county-level experts endorsed the expanded coverage for prisoners but noted the waiver does not extend to municipal jails and county detention centers. The waiver currently covers people in state men’s and women’s prisons only, not those in the state Department of Corrections’ custody housed elsewhere.
Upcoming Provider Training
The health department announced that training for providers interested in developing and seeking reimbursement for housing supports and contingency management services will be available in the coming months ahead of their launch this fall.
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