For the benefit of hundreds of thousands of users, the state of Montana is set to broaden its Medicaid services to cater to the needs of individuals grappling with diagnosed mental health disorders. Governor Greg Gianforte’s office, in collaboration with the state health department, announced on Monday the approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the expansion of Medicaid services across three programs under the existing state initiative.
The Medicaid expansion initiative arises in response to the termination of coverage for thousands due to ongoing Medicaid redeterminations. These redeterminations, initiated months ago, followed the conclusion of increased assistance provided during the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
Medicaid to Offer Housing to Qualifying Users
Among the notable enhancements are the inclusion of housing assistance, incentives for treatment goals, and re-entry services tailored for justice-involved populations, beginning 30 days before their release.
The forthcoming housing assistance and treatment incentive programs are expected to roll out in the fall, with the pre-release services slated for late 2025.
The housing program, named Tenancy Supports, aims to aid Medicaid recipients dealing with diagnosed severe mental illness or substance use disorders facing housing instability or homelessness. Eligibility for housing assistance requires at least one risk factor, such as homelessness or being at risk of it, a history of prolonged stays in institutional settings, or frequent emergency department visits or hospitalizations.
When Will the Program Be Available?
The Department of Public Health and Human Services has initiated a provider workgroup to guide the implementation of tenancy support services, marking its first meeting on January 30.
The treatment incentive program, known as Contingency Management, targets Medicaid members aged 18 and older undergoing treatment for diagnosed stimulant use disorders. It enables them to earn small motivational incentives for meeting treatment goals, showcasing promising outcomes in reducing or ceasing drug use and fostering longer retention in treatment.
Director Charlie Brereton of DPHHS lauded the program, stating, “This model has demonstrated robust outcomes for individuals with stimulant disorder.”
The Justice-Involved Reentry Services program will extend targeted Medicaid services to justice-involved populations 30 days before their release from prison. This includes care management, limited community-based clinical consultation services in person or via telehealth, and medication. Eligible participants must be 18 years or older with a diagnosed substance use or mental health disorder.
Funding for these services is secured through a federal 1115 waiver, granting the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to approve projects aligning with Medicaid program objectives.
These three programs will be integrated into the state’s Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) initiative. Governor Gianforte, who introduced the HEART program as one of his initial initiatives, commended the health department’s efforts in expanding the program.
“After decades of applying Band-Aids to our broken system and kicking the can down the road, we’re making great strides in our overall effort to build up the state’s continuum of care for those struggling with behavioral health,” remarked Governor Gianforte.