Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a five-year extension of the Evolving West Virginia Medicaid’s Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Section 1115 Demonstration. This extension, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, will allow BMS to continue providing crucial substance use disorder (SUD) services and implement new initiatives aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes throughout the state. The program is required to be budget neutral, ensuring it does not increase overall Medicaid spending.

Cindy Beane, DoHS Bureau for Medical Services Commissioner, stated: “Through this waiver renewal, West Virginia is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that Medicaid beneficiaries have access to life-saving behavioral health and recovery services.” She emphasized that the extension reflects ongoing progress in addressing substance use disorders and social determinants affecting many residents.

The continuation of this program maintains key services from the current demonstration. These include expanded access to community Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) services and an emergency department PRSS model. Additionally, it will provide a comprehensive continuum of residential care and services for SUD in line with the latest American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.

Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, remarked: “The approval of this demonstration renewal highlights the strides West Virginia has made in addressing the behavioral health needs of its residents while paving the way for future innovation.” She expressed gratitude towards CMS for their support in expanding access to essential behavioral health services.

The extension introduces innovative services targeting behavioral health needs and social determinants. These include support for individuals transitioning to sustainable housing, assistance with obtaining meaningful work as part of recovery efforts, specialized reentry services for justice-involved individuals, and Medicaid coverage for post-overdose Quick Response Teams (QRTs).

The waiver period concludes on December 31, 2029. For those interested in career opportunities within the behavioral health field in West Virginia, more information can be found at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wv.