The resolution urges the Louisiana Department of Health and commercial health insurance payors to increase reimbursement rates for Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (BHCCs) that operate under a Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) license. The Louisiana Crisis Response System (LA-CRS) aims to provide a comprehensive mental health crisis response, including services such as Mobile Crisis Response and Community Brief Crisis Support. BHCCs are essential facilities that offer short-term crisis intervention services, but the current Medicaid reimbursement rates for these centers are significantly lower than the actual costs of providing care, which has resulted in a lack of providers across the state.

An independent analysis indicates that the per diem cost for a Crisis Receiving Center-licensed BHCC to provide necessary care is $1,163, while the current Medicaid reimbursement rate is only $549.40. This discrepancy has led to the existence of only one such provider in Louisiana, with others unable to open or sustain operations due to inadequate funding. The resolution calls for an adjustment in reimbursement rates to ensure that BHCCs can effectively deliver crisis stabilization services and meet the needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises.