DHS announces information sessions on intensive behavioral health services review of current payment policies and rate methodology

The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), has engaged Health Management Associates (HMA) to conduct a multi-phase review of current payment policies and rate methodology for intensive behavioral health services. This includes Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Residential Crisis Services (RCS) and Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS). DHS recognizes the important role providers and community partners play in delivering essential services and intends this work to inform thoughtful, collaborative discussions as part of this engagement.

DHS is undertaking this effort to strengthen program integrity, ensure payment methodologies more accurately reflect service delivery and outcomes and advance alignment with value-based approaches that support high-quality, person-centered care.

We anticipate three phases over the next several months:

• HMA will partner with BHA to review the Intensive Service Rate-Setting Manual and provide revisions, updates and provider training in accordance with existing statutory requirements, State Plan provisions and applicable federal cost allowances. This will promote consistency, transparency and shared understanding of current reimbursement policies and methodologies. This review also includes alignment with the MHCP Provider manual.
• HMA will conduct a peer-state review to assess ACT, IRTS and RCS implementation in other states including their regulatory framework, payment methodology and process for assessing performance and outcomes.
• The review will identify opportunities for future policy and statutory proposals to support reimbursement approaches with applicable federal and state requirements, ongoing program integrity, identification of opportunities to assess program outcomes and performance, and ensure the long-term sustainability and effective administration of Medicaid-funded services.

Provider Input Opportunity

Stakeholder convening sessions will be conducted in early June. Providers are asked to complete a brief surveyto indicate their interest in participating in a convening session. Please complete the survey by Friday, June 12 if you are interested in participating in an interview.

Participation is voluntary.

Input received from providers will help inform potential updates to payment policy and associated guidance.

If you have questions, please email bhdrates.dhs[at]state.mn.us