Institute News
CMS Announces Grants to Support MRSS Planning – Institute Offers Free Consultation
December 2021
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the release of Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFA) (put CFDA# 93.639 in search) for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) of 2021: Section 9813 State Planning Grants for Qualifying Community-Based Mobile Crisis Intervention Services. This $15-million funding opportunity is available to state Medicaid agencies to support states in preparing to meet the requirements of the new Section 1947, added to the Social Security Act by ARP. Section 1947 provides states with the option to include "qualifying community-based mobile crisis intervention services" in Medicaid state plans and waivers. States have five years, beginning April 1, 2022, to receive an enhanced federal match of 85% for up to three years (12 quarters).
The increase in mental health-related emergency department visits for children across the nation during COVID-19 is well documented (e.g., CDC and The Journal of the American Medical Association). These planning grants can support states in designing Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS). MRSS is a child-, youth-, and family-specific crisis intervention model that meets the caregiver/parent sense of urgency by establishing MRSS as the first connection within a state crisis continuum, to include 988 design and implementation (required by July 2022). MRSS plays a critical role in preventing future crises; reducing involvement with law enforcement, particularly for children and youth who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; providing care in the least restrictive environment appropriate to clinical needs; and maintaining children safely at home and in the community.
CMS anticipates making between 10 and 20 awards (performance period of September 30, 2021 through September 29, 2022) ranging from $300,000 to $1M. Letters of intent are due by July 23, 2021, and applications are due by August 13, 2021.
To support state Medicaid agencies in leveraging this NOFA to advance MRSS design and implementation, The Institute is offering free 30-minute consultations. Consultations are provided to state Medicaid agencies on a first-come, first-served basis with limited spots available. To schedule your consultation, contact The Institute.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE:
