September 12, 2024

The state intends to release new guidance (shortly) re: the long discussed threshold changes that will permit DoH D&TCs to offer more mental health services, and OMH 31s, OASAS 32s and OTPs to provide more primary care –  up to 30% per Medicaid volume/annually, for the individuals you serve.  The guidance is expected to come out ‘shortly’ with the goal of an October 1 implementation date.  (Cross your fingers and toes!)

It sounds to me like there will be something in the September 2024 Medicaid Update about this.  Note:  The monthly Medicaid Update doesn’t always come out in the month in which it is marked.  I will keep my eyes peeled – I promise.

Background:

The enacted state budget that passed in April included language that describes the intended threshold changes.  On May 1, 2024, the New York State Register included an OMH entry creating a 60-day public comment period on the changes.  OASAS did not do a 60-day comment period however the changes would apply to both.  Of course the NYS Council jumped all over the opportunity to express our vigorous support for these changes in all impacted settings to increase the availability of integrated care and I have been pushing DoH and monitoring this initiative on a monthly basis for close to a year.

The May 1 2024 NYS Register is attached – see page 34 for a description of the intended changes.  
Just about a year ago and prior to the formal comment period the NYS Council hosted a Thursday morning call with guest speaker Trisha Schell-Guy at DoH who reviewed the slide (below) with us.  

Please note:  Given that there was a public comment period in between all of this action it is possible that the guidance may not reflect exactly what is written on the slide so please don’t act on any of this until we see the written guidance and the implementation date of October 1 is confirmed.   
Until we see it in writing this information is subject to change.