Our work shaping and reporting on national mental health policy is made possible through a capacity grant from the Perigee Fund.
In June 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document about Medicaid and CHIP coverage of peer support services, as detailed in SMD letter #07-011 from August 15, 2007.
The FAQ was aimed at addressing confusion that state Medicaid agencies have expressed about existing policies on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage of peer support services. It better explains federal requirements and state opportunities pertaining to these services.
This FAQ emphasizes that states can choose to include peer support services as part of their mental health and substance use service delivery systems and encourages states to expand these services to better support adults, youth, and families facing mental health issues and substance use disorders. It suggests allowing coverage for peer support services in various settings, including medical settings such as emergency rooms.