Bill > SB428

This bill directs the Department of Community Health to request a waiver from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a government agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid, by December 31, 2026. The purpose of this waiver is to allow for Medicaid reimbursement of home and community-based services for individuals over 21 who need mental health services but do not require care in an institution. This determination would consider risk factors such as past hospitalizations, psychiatric crises, emergency room visits, incarceration, or homelessness. If the waiver is approved by CMS, the department will then proceed with implementing payment for these services using Medicaid funds.