CMS proposes to cover intensive outpatient services for behavioral health

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing to expand access to behavioral health services through the coverage of intensive outpatient services. Currently, a gap exists when people with Medicare require services more frequent than individual outpatient therapy visits, but less intensive than a partial hospitalization program. Hospital outpatient departments, community mental health clinics, federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics could perform the services. The agency also proposes to permit opioid treatment programs to provide payments for intensive outpatient services. The changes, which would become effective Jan. 1, 2024, are included in the calendar year 2024 outpatient prospective payment system and ambulatory surgical center proposed rules. (CMS news release, 7/13/23)