The policies of the Department of Health and Human Services provide that Medicaid will provide coverage of services provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical social worker at a federally-qualified health center. (Medicaid Services Manual 2903(B)(1)) In 2023, federal law was amended to authorize federal financial participation for Medicaid coverage of services provided by mental health counselors, including alcohol and drug counselors and problem gambling counselors who hold a master's or doctoral degree and clinical professional counselors, when such services are provided in a federally-qualified health center. (42 U.S.C. § 1396a(10), 42 U.S.C. § 1396d(a)(2)(c), 42 U.S.C. § 1396d(1)(2); Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-328, § 4121) This bill: (1) codifies into law existing requirements that Medicaid cover services provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical social worker at a federally-qualified health center; and (2) newly requires Medicaid to cover services provided by a mental health counselor.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 422.272366
BDR: 422.272366