New Medicaid Proposal Would Gut Community Mental Health Services

The Bush Administration has just sent Congress proposed language to amend the definitions of Medicaid rehabilitation and targeted case management services, two core elements of public community mental health systems. The changes, if enacted, could make it impossible for states and localities to bill Medicaid for intensive community-based services for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious mental or emotional disorders.
Congressional committees will consider these proposals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in September. Members of Congress need to hear from constituents about the catastrophic impact their enactment would have on an already struggling public community mental health system.