September 2007

Question:
Is the Early, Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT) of Medicaid affected directly by any of the changes that are being proposed in the Rehabilitation Services option (Rehab Option) regulation? Specifically, is the mental health component of EPSDT affected?

Answer:
There is no direct affect on the EPSDT program as far as the scope of services that are mandated for children and youth less than 18-21 years of age. Services that are found to be necessary as a result of an EPSDT screen are continued to be mandated regardless of any other restrictions in the Medicaid regulations on other programs such as the Rehab Option. It is important to remember that the changes in the Rehab Option regulations are proposed and are not part of a final regulation. Therefore, the current regulatory requirements continue to be in place until a final regulation is issued.