This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain mental health services. Specifically, it requires the West Virginia physician/medical practitioner provider Medicaid enhancement board to examine current reimbursement rates for outpatient psychiatry and psychology services provided in licensed behavioral health centers. The board is tasked with developing a proposal to increase these rates by July 1, 2025, ensuring that they are not lower than the corresponding rates for Medicare Part B fee-for-service providers.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the board to review and recommend adjustments to the physician/medical practitioner provider fee schedule on a quarterly basis, while also facilitating communication between providers and the Department of Human Services. The bill emphasizes the importance of equity in reimbursement across medical specialties and mandates that the board assist in enhancing the Medicaid program's effectiveness. Overall, the legislation aims to improve access to mental health services by ensuring that reimbursement rates are competitive and reflective of the costs associated with providing care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-4B-4