Bridging the Gap: Medicaid and CHIP Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of discussing mental health issues and accessing services. One critical aspect of this conversation is the role of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in providing behavioral health services to a large portion of the population in the US.

In March 2024, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which included various provisions related to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care and coverage within Medicaid and CHIP. These provisions build upon existing policies and introduce new measures to improve access to mental health and SUD services for both adults and youth.

The brief provides an overview of the Medicaid and CHIP mental health and SUD provisions outlined in the 2024 government funding package. It offers explanations of the policies and a timeline for their implementation, demonstrating a commitment to improving mental health services for those covered by these programs. Some key elements of the legislation include extending and expanding policies from the 2018 SUPPORT Act, introducing new provisions specifically focused on mental health and SUD services, and offering additional support for coverage and care in these areas. This comprehensive approach aims to address the complex needs of individuals seeking mental health and SUD treatment.