DHCS released the CalBH-CBC Demonstration concept paper on November 15, 2022, which announces DHCS’ intent to apply for a new Medicaid Section 115 demonstration. The demonstration will expand a robust continuum of community-based behavioral health care services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries living with serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbance (SED). It takes advantage of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) guidance and associated federal funding aimed at improving care for people living with SMI or SED. It will also amplify California’s ongoing behavioral health initiatives and be informed by findings from DHCS’ 2022 Assessing the Continuum of Care for Behavioral Health Services in California.
DHCS will accept public comments on the concept paper through January 13, 2023. Please submit feedback to CalBHCBC@dhcs.ca.gov and include “CalBH-CBC Demonstration” in the subject line.
For more information, please visit the CalBH-CBC webpage.