DHS puts brakes on residential treatment Medicaid benefit

The Department of Health Services said Friday it plans to delay implementation of a Medicaid benefit for residential facility substance use disorder.

The benefit was approved as part of a waiver that also requires some childless adults to work, pay premiums and undergo health risk assessments.

It was set to go into effect Feb. 1. DHS said that the decision to delay implementation was based on “extensive feedback.”

“DHS will be conducting more research and outreach to develop a benefit and rate structure that meets members’ needs and ensures a strong system of care,” the agency said in a notice. “We recognize that the proposal we initially put forth needs to be adjusted, and appreciate the input we’ve received thus far.”

DHS plans to seek further feedback to implement the requirement. They don’t have an updated timeline for implementation.

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