The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) published notices and fee schedules for Mobile Mental Health Treatment (MMHT) and Peer Support Services in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 28. The notices reiterate information that PCPA has already shared with members.
MMHT services are added beginning November 1 for those who are 21 years of age or older and are Medical Assistance (MA) recipients. The service is intended for those who have encountered barriers to service or have been unsuccessful in receiving services in an outpatient mental health clinic. Services include evaluation, treatment, and medication visits in the individual’s residence or other approved community site. Any licensed mental health outpatient clinic enrolled in MA can provide MMHT services. The payment rate is the same as for parallel mental health outpatient clinic services in the Fee-for-Service Program. The notice itemizes the approved codes, modifiers, rates, and service limits for MMHT.
MA Peer Support Services for individuals aged 18 and older are also added effective November 1. Individuals who have used behavioral health services are trained and certified to provide peer support for recovery and community integration. Peer Support Services must be provided by an agency or entity approved by DPW. The notice states that services include “advocacy, education, development of natural supports, support of work or other meaningful activity of the person's choosing, crisis management, effective utilization of the service delivery system and coordination of and linkage to other service providers.” The procedure code is H00038 – Self Help/Peer Services with a rate of $10 per 15-minute unit and a maximum of 16 units billed per individual per day.
Comments regarding either of the notices can be addressed to:
Department of
Public Welfare
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Bureau of Policy and Program Development
Attention: Division Chief
PO Box 2675
Beechmont Building, Second Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Comments received by DPW within 30 days of publication of the notice will be considered in any future revisions of the service requirements or fee schedules. The complete notices can be viewed from the links above.
DPW has indicated that final MA Bulletins regarding these services will be issued soon. Please contact Betty Simmonds with questions regarding MMHT or Peer Support Services.
