First Steps Maternity Support Services (MSS) Changes

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 12/31/2025 11:22 AM PST

December 31, 2025

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First Steps MSS changes

HCA is making improvements to the First Steps MSS program as required in RCW 74.09.839.

January 1, 2026 changes

Effective for claims with dates of service on or after January 1, 2026, changes include:

MSS rates will increase by $10 per unit
Allowable units will increase per MSS eligibility period

These changes are reflected in the Maternity Support Services and Infant Case Management Billing Guide and associated fee schedule. For more information, see HCA’s Provider billing guides and fee schedules webpage.

Upcoming March 2026 changes

Two new optional services with a separate reimbursement will be tentatively effective mid-March 2026. More information to come. The new services include:

An initial MSS screening visit
A postpartum MSS registered nurse visit provided in the client's home

HCA will require all MSS screening results be submitted using HCA's online MSS screening tool.

More information about these changes will be provided during the January First Steps MSS and ICM webinar. A separate message regarding the January webinar will be sent soon.

Contact HCA's First Steps MSS and ICM Program Managers with any questions.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.