Illinois’ new Medicaid demonstration program supporting facilities that provide comprehensive, around-the-clock behavioral healthcare and substance abuse treatment has officially begun.
Officials announced last week that 19 mental health and substance use treatment providers are part of the initial Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program. As members, they must provide care coordination, 24/7 access to crisis services and serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Clinics must also provide routine outpatient care within 10 business days.
“Access to high-quality behavioral health services is critical, and this program will help us to serve individuals who are in crisis and have previously struggled to access the services they need to be well,” Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Lizzy Whitehorn said in a statement.
Illinois was one of 10 states added to the demonstration program earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eight states are already part of the program.
The program provides Medicaid reimbursement for the full cost of provided services, and at higher rates than community mental health centers previously received.
State leaders previously said they expect a $150 million boost in Medicaid as part of the program, which is a mixture of state funding and an enhanced federal match.
Leaders of participating providers said in a joint statement that the program will advance behavioral healthcare services throughout Illinois.
“Further, this new model bolsters the financial stability of community providers that will further strengthen our state’s mental health safety net,” said Thresholds CEO Mark Ishaug.