By Kerry Young, CQ Roll Call
April 6, 2015 -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday released a proposed rule intended to create consistency between the commercial and Medicaid markets regarding mental health services.
In a statement, CMS said the agency intends to apply certain provisions of current federal law to requirements for Medicaid managed care organizations, Medicaid alternative benefit plans, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP. Medicaid, a state and federal program that serves those living in or near poverty, is the nation's single biggest purchaser of mental health services. Under the proposed rule, all beneficiaries who receive services through managed care organizations, alternative benefit plans, or CHIP will have access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits regardless of whether services are provided through the managed care organization or another service delivery system.
States that have contracts with managed care organizations will be required to meet the parity requirements regarding financial and treatment limitations consistent with the regulation applicable to private insurers.