CMS Issues Comprehensive Behavioral Health Toolkit for States Under EPSDT Authority

CMS released detailed guidance outlining over 20 strategies for state Medicaid and CHIP agencies to strengthen child and youth behavioral health systems under EPSDT requirements, which mandate all medically necessary services for children under 21. The toolkit covers delivery system development, provider network adequacy, care coordination, and equity improvements, with concrete state examples of implementing services like coordinated specialty care and wraparound programs. For MCOs, this signals heightened federal expectations around pediatric behavioral health coverage, network capacity, and utilization management practices that comply with EPSDT's broad entitlement standards.

Behavioral Health · CHIP · Managed Care

This is outside commentary from Manatt Health, not part of Medicaid Monitor's independently scored news coverage.

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