Updates for local agencies, community-based organizations, and providers that offer help to members of Wisconsin's health and nutrition assistance programs.

Application Made to CMS to Expand Mental Health Coverage

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted an application for a Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance Waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). If approved, the waiver will let us care for more members who need mental health services.

What is the purpose of this waiver?

Federal law limits the ability of state Medicaid programs to pay for services in an institution for mental disease. Today, Wisconsin only covers mental health services for members under age 21 and adults 65 and older. That means that members aged 21-64 do not get the same benefits.

To remedy this situation, we are asking CMS to let us add this coverage for members age 21-64.

When will this take effect?

Getting a waiver approved is a lengthy process. When we hear back from CMS, we will make a public announcement. Learn more by visiting our waiver webpage. There, you can review the application, timeline, and other documents.

Please do not respond to this email. The email box is not monitored and you will not receive a personal response. You are receiving this notification because you have asked to be added to the ForwardHealth Partners information list. For questions, please contact DHS ForwardHealth Partners. Thank you.