Williston public input meeting on Medicaid 1915i state plan amendment to expand behavioral health services has been rescheduled to Oct 17

 

The North Dakota Department of Human Services is rescheduling its upcoming community input meeting in Williston. The public is invited to share comments and ideas on Oct. 17, on the development and implementation of a new Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment that could expand in-home and community-based behavioral health services for children and adults.

The public meeting will take place from 1-2:30 p.m., Central Time, at the ARC Community Center, 822 18th St. E. in Williston. Individuals unable to attend can also submit written comments online at www.nd.gov/1915i until Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. Central Time.

People with disabilities who need accommodations to participate in a meeting should contact Bianca Bell in the department’s Behavioral Health Division at 701-328-8958, toll-free 800-755-2719, 711 (TTY) or bhbellatnd [dot] gov

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During the 2019 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers authorized the department to create a Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment, which will allow North Dakota Medicaid to pay for additional in-home and community-based services to support individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders and/or brain injuries. For adults these services could include, but are not limited to supports for housing, employment, education, transitions out of homelessness or institutional living and peer support. Potential services for children may include respite care, educational support and transition to adulthood supports and other services.

After the public comment period ends, the department will begin to write the Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment and submit it to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval. The anticipated implementation date is July 1, 2020. To be considered eligible for services, individuals must qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid Expansion. Other needs-based eligibility criteria will also be considered by the department when developing the services.

For more information about the Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment, visit www.nd.gov/1915i.