Daily Briefing

Friday, March 6, 2026

Federal Policy

Federal Policy·11:54 AM MT

SAMHSA Opens $69M in Grant Funding for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs

SAMHSA announced $69.1 million in available grant funding across three behavioral health programs: the Children's Mental Health Initiative (CMHI), Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems, and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). The funding opportunities target serious mental illness treatment and suicide prevention services. Applications are now open for eligible providers and health systems. For Medicaid managed care organizations with behavioral health carved-in or carved-out arrangements, these grants may affect network adequacy, crisis service capacity, and partnerships with community providers receiving federal funding.

Why it matters

MCOs managing behavioral health benefits should monitor which network providers secure this funding, as grant-funded enhancements to crisis services, children's mental health programs, and outpatient treatment capacity directly affect network adequacy compliance and member access to federally-supported services.

samhsa.gov →Behavioral Health · Managed Care

State Policy

State Policy·7:36 AM MT

National Association of Medicaid Directors Elects New Board Leadership

State Medicaid directors have elected a new board of directors for the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). The organization represents state Medicaid agencies in policy discussions with CMS and serves as the primary vehicle for state-to-state coordination on Medicaid program operations. The new board will guide NAMD's advocacy priorities and engagement with federal policymakers during a period of ongoing program changes. State agencies should monitor NAMD communications for shifts in organizational priorities or focus areas under the new leadership.

Why it matters

NAMD board composition influences which state Medicaid agency concerns receive priority in federal policy discussions and shapes the organization's positions on proposed rules affecting managed care operations.

medicaiddirectors.org →Managed Care · Finance