The bill, Substitute House Bill No. 7023, mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to amend the Medicaid state plan to include peer support services within care teams funded by the medical assistance program. These peer support services are defined as recovery-focused behavioral health services that assist individuals in managing their recovery with the help of certified peer support specialists, who may have personal experience with mental illness or substance use disorders. The bill also stipulates that Medicaid will reimburse peer support specialists for the services they provide.

Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Social Services to submit a report by August 1, 2026, to the relevant legislative committees detailing the number of peer support specialists receiving Medicaid reimbursement, the number of Medicaid enrollees they serve, and any outcome data related to the treatment provided. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025. The bill introduces new legal language regarding the integration of peer support services and the responsibilities of the Commissioner, while no deletions from current law are specified.