The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) announced a new model to test approaches for addressing behavioral and physical health, as well as social needs, for people with Medicaid and Medicare. The model will launch in the fall 2024 and is anticipated to operate for eight years in up to eight states. CMS is expected to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity this spring that will provide information on how states can participate. If selected, a participating state is required to select practice participants – community-based behavioral health organizations or settings that, at the time of application, meet all the following criteria:

• Are licensed by the state awardee to deliver behavioral services, either mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Meet all state-specific Medicaid provider enrollment requirements.
• Are eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.
• Serve adult Medicaid beneficiaries (age 18 or older) with moderate to severe behavioral health conditions.
• Provide mental health and/or substance use disorder services at the outpatient level of care.