Advancing Comprehensive Care for All Vermonters
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Human Services’ Department of Mental Health (DMH), in collaboration with the Department of Health (VDH), the VDH Division of Substance Use (DSU), and the Blueprint for Health, proudly announces Vermont’s selection as one of 10 states to join the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program. Vermont's success in developing state-level infrastructure and collaborating with providers to meet CCBHC standards led to this selection. Vermont has chosen to name its program “Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers” (CCBHC).
Vermont's designation as a CCBHC Demonstration State provides access to additional Medicaid funding supporting CCBHC services. Clara Martin Center and Rutland Mental Health Services, currently provisionally certified as CCBHCs with funding from a Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant, will benefit from an enhanced funding match as a demonstration state, ensuring sustainable financial support. The goal is to have these sites fully certified as CCBHCs by July, 2025.
The CCBHC is a national model driven by states to expand access to comprehensive mental health, substance use, and crisis services, providing integrated care that focuses on the whole person. CCBHCs partner with hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and community providers to ensure equitable access to high-quality care for everyone in their communities, regardless of ability to pay, location, or age. Vermont aims to replicate successes observed in other demonstration states, including reduced wait times, strengthened community partnerships, increased client employment, system cost savings, and improved overall wellness for historically underserved populations and those with greater needs.
"This program represents a crucial investment in Vermont's healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that all individuals receive comprehensive support regardless of their circumstances," stated Jenney Samuelson, Secretary of the Agency of Human Services.
Vermont’s journey toward CCBHC implementation began with the award of a CCBHC State Planning Grant in March 2023. Since then, AHS, DMH, VDH-DSU, and the Blueprint for Health have been assessing impacts and aligning processes associated with the implementation of the program in Vermont. In November 2023, Vermont selected Clara Martin Center and Rutland Mental Health Services, to move forward to become the first two CCBHCs in the state. Currently, Vermont is collaborating with SAMHSA to obtain detailed information about participating in the Demonstration Program and expects to have more details by the end of July 2024.
"Being selected for the CCBHC Demonstration Program marks a milestone in our efforts to ensure every Vermonter has access to the care they need," said DMH Commissioner Emily Hawes. “We are excited about the future and our ongoing commitment to bringing integrated care to our communities.”
Click Here to View the DMH CCBHC Webpage
About the Department of Mental Health
Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) has a critical mission to improve the conditions and well-being of all Vermonters across the state and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Visit mentalhealth.vermont.gov
Source: 6.24.2024. Waterbury, VT – Vermont Agency of Human Services
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