Partnering with Medicaid to Advance and Sustain the Goals of the Child Welfare System

By The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, University of Maryland School of Social

July 15, 2016

Summary

This report, written as a practical guide for child welfare directors, outlines ways to partner with Medicaid to sustain or enhance high-quality services for children with behavioral health care needs.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Introducing four big rules for child welfare directors to keep in mind

This paper shares a simple four-rule check to help determine if a child in foster care can access Medicaid services. The child must be: 1) enrolled in Medicaid; 2) meeting the medical necessity criteria for the service in question; 3) accessing a service that is covered and reimbursable by Medicaid and included in the state’s Medicaid State Plan; and 4) using a provider who is credentialed, licensed, actively participating in Medicaid, and able to deliver care in accordance with the Medicaid State Plan.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations