CMS issues state guidance on CHIP behavioral health coverage

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday issued guidance to states implementing Section 5022 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018, which requires all states with separate Children’s Health Insurance Programs to cover specific behavioral health-related screening and preventive services for children and pregnant women. The guidance includes a template for submitting CHIP state plan amendments to comply with the section, including requirements to provide these services in in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner and facilitate use of appropriate screening and assessment tools.