On Monday, December 16, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS)
granted approval of California’s proposed Behavioral Health
Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and
Treatment (BH-CONNECT) demonstration waiver. BH-CONNECT
is intended to build on investments and policy changes currently
underway in California that are designed to expand access to
community-based behavioral health care and improve outcomes for
Medi-Cal members living with the most significant behavioral
health needs. California submitted the BH-CONNECT waiver
application to CMS in October 2023.
One key component of BH-CONNECT is
transitional rent assistance, which provides six months of
rental support for eligible Medi-Cal members transitioning from
institutions, congregate settings, or homelessness. This benefit
will be administered by Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans. Other key
components of BH-CONNECT include:
Access, Reform, and Outcomes Incentive Program: CMS is
authorizing up to $1.9 billion over five years in expenditure
authority for participating County Behavioral Health Plans to
strengthen and improve quality and behavioral health outcomes
among Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
Workforce Investments: CMS is authorizing up to $1.9 billion
to support workforce recruitment and retention to promote the
increased availability of behavioral health providers who serve
Medi-Cal and demonstration beneficiary members.
Support for Child Welfare Clients: CMS is authorizing the
expenditure of activity funds to improve access and outcomes for
youth involved in child welfare system receiving specialty mental
health services.
Community Transition In-Reach Services: Supports members
transitioning from long-term institutional stays to ensure
continuity of care and successful reintegration into the
community.
Short-term Inpatient Psychiatric Care: Provides new
flexibility for federal Medi-Cal funding for short-term mental
health care provided in inpatient and residential treatment
settings that meet the federal institution for mental diseases
(IMD) criteria.
Additional information on BH-CONNECT can be found on the
Department of Health Services BH-CONNECT
webpage.
