HHS Asks Advice on Bolstering Mental Health in Medicaid, CHIP

The Biden administration is seeking input on improving access to mental health services for patients covered under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance program.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is asking Medicaid, CHIP, and other health policy watchers for possible solutions to rein in the discretionary barriers to mental health coverage that aren’t as commonly found in traditional medical insurance.

The push for greater parity in mental health access comes as the US faces a critical demand for behavioral health services. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only about 47% of the nearly ...