June 04, 2024

Duckworth, Durbin Applaud Federal Approval of Illinois as Participant in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program

This federal program provides increased reimbursement through Medicaid to expand mental health and addiction treatment services in qualified clinics across Illinois

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] –  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today applauded the federal approval of Illinois as a participant in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program.  This program, created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides sustainable funding to reimburse through Medicaid the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide.  Now a participant in the program, Illinois can enhance the quality and availability of mental health and addition services through CCBHCs, which have been shown to reduce homelessness and substance use by those attending the clinic, as well as decrease the use of emergency rooms and hospitalization.

“I’m proud to see the impacts of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act right here at home in Illinois,” Duckworth said. “By making Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics accessible for more Illinoisans, we’re helping care and protect for our communities and ensure mental health services are available for all.”

“Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are a lifeline for countless individuals and families who are grappling with the challenges of mental health conditions or addiction.  Because of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Illinois will be able to make CCBHCs more accessible and further improve the care available for those in need,” said Durbin.  “With Illinois as a participant in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program, these clinics can grow as pillars of hope and healing in our neighborhoods across Illinois, providing mental health services to those in need.”

This program’s expansion was made possible by the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which both Durbin and Duckworth strongly advocated for and supported.  The legislation gave the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority and federal funding to add new states to the program every two years.

-30-