BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Human Services is accepting public comments on its draft Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment to expand Medicaid coverage for in-home and community-based behavioral health services for children and adults. Comments will be accepted until March 19 at 5 p.m.

The plan amendment allows North Dakota Medicaid to pay for additional in-home and community-based services for individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders and/or brain injuries. These services include housing, educational and employment supports; community transition services; peer support; care coordination; respite care and other supportive services.

The draft Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment is online at behavioralhealth.nd.gov/1915i. Copies are also available upon request.

Individuals can submit comments at the online address or by emailing bhbell@nd.gov, or calling toll-free 800-755-2719, 328-8958 or 711 (TTY), or by fax at 328-8979. Interested individuals can also submit comments by mail to the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division, Attn: Bianca Bell, 1237 W. Divide Ave., Ste. 1C, Bismarck, ND 58505-1208.

Department officials will host a webinar on March 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. to provide a brief overview of the draft state plan amendment and to answer questions related to the public comment process. To participate, register online at the online site.

After the public comment period ends, the state plan amendment will be submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for review and approval. To be eligible for services, individuals must qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid Expansion, have a qualifying behavioral health diagnosis and meet required needs-based criteria.