[NYAPRS Enews] CHP: NY Secures Approval for New Medicaid Model For Children

[Harvey Rosenthal]

State Secures Approval for New Medicaid Model For Children
Crain's Health Pulse  August 7, 2019
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The state Department of Health said Tuesday that it has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a new Medicaid model of care serving children with complex health needs.

The new model is expected to improve access to Medicaid services and expand Medicaid coverage to home- and community-based care for more than 6,000 children under the age of 21 who would otherwise have to live in hospitals and institutionalized settings. Eligible children include those who are medically fragile and have a behavioral health diagnosis or developmental disability as well as those in foster care.

"Children who are involved with the child welfare system often have complex medical and behavioral health needs," said Sheila Poole, commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services, in a statement. "We look forward to the opportunity this transition will bring to youth in foster care and will continue to work in collaboration with our partner state agencies, local departments of social services and voluntary agencies to make families aware of newly available services and how they can tailor the way those services are delivered to best meet their individual needs."

The model is expected to improve clinical and recovery outcomes and reduce health care costs by preventing unnecessary emergency and inpatient treatment, the state Health Department said. It also should better address needs before they become costly and complex.

Additionally, the model will add six behavioral health services covered by Medicaid, which will be phased in over time. -Jennifer Henderson

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