Substance Use Disorder Providers,

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has been receiving questions related to recent legislation that increases rates and updates the authorization process for outpatient services that exceed six hours a day or 30 hours in a week. The legislative language indicates that changes would go into effect on Jan. 2, 2022, or when the state plan amendment is approved, whichever is later. The state plan amendment has not been approved yet, so the changes will not go into effect Jan. 2, 2022.

DHS intends to submit the state plan amendment on Jan. 2, 2022. That will start the clock for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider Minnesota’s changes. The process with CMS usually takes 60 to 90 days. If CMS has questions, then they can start the clock over and it may take longer to get approval. We will continue to keep you apprised of this timeline as we work with CMS.

We also know there are going to be training needs, and we have identified trainers to work with you on the statutory changes. We are working on system programming and other details, and we will provide further information at a later date.

We want to emphasize that these changes are not taking place on Jan. 2, 2022, and we will be working to keep you informed and trained as we get more details.