The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the State Plan Amendment requests for Mobile Mental Health Treatment (MMHT) and Peer Support Services. These services are Medicaid reimbursable services effective November 1, 2006.
MMHT services provided in accordance with Medical Assistance Bulletin 08-06-18, Mobile Mental Health Treatment (www.dpw.state.pa.us/General/Bulletins/003673169.aspx?BulletinDetailId=1537) can be billed retroactively to November 1, 2006. Existing psychiatric outpatient clinics enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) Program are automatically authorized to provide this service. Questions about MMHT should be addressed to the Behavioral Health Services Hotline, 800-433-4459.
OMHSAS reports that the MA/OMHSAS bulletin on peer support services and Provider Handbook pages will be available soon and will include information about enrollment, billing, payment, and programmatic review. The announcement states, “Providers that can demonstrate compliance with the requirements set forth in the final Peer Support Services Bulletin will be eligible to bill retroactively for services rendered on or after 11/1/06.” OMHSAS will provide one-day technical assistance sessions statewide on peer support services. Presentations on peer support services are also scheduled during the Pennsylvania Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PAPSRS) conference April 10 – 12 and the case management conference June 26 – 28. Questions about peer support services may be addressed to Karen Morton (kmorton@state.pa.us or 717-346-0752).
PCPA has obtained a draft copy of requirements for initial program approval that may be helpful for those interested in providing this service. Please contact Betty Simmonds at PCPA for a copy. PCPA will distribute more information as it becomes available.
