The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on proposed policy 2553-BH, which addresses reimbursement for specialty behavioral health services based on service location.
While the policy largely reflects current practice, the MHA identified several areas where additional clarity is needed related to allowable services and care settings.
Focus areas included:
Nursing Facilities: Clarification on whether additional services, such as group therapy, care coordination and medication review, would be allowable, as these services are currently included in other care settings.
Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD): Clarification on the distinction in allowable length of stay between patients with serious mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD), as well as coverage parameters for SUD-related IMD stays.
Child Caring Institutions: Clarification on coverage limitations tied to facility licensure and patient diagnosis, particularly for children with serious emotional disturbance and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The MHA will continue to monitor the policy and keep members informed of any updates.
Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.