WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 7023

AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE COACHES AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS UNDER A PEER SUPPORT TREATMENT MODEL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar

Authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for peer-based services by substance abuse coaches and mental health counselors, expanding access for enrollees and shaping billing rules.

REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Appropriations
#alcoholismtreatment #behavioralhealthservices #drugabusetreatment #medicaid #mentalhealthservices #reports #socialservices #departmentof
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7023

Summary — HB 7023 (2025)

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE COACHES AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS UNDER A PEER SUPPORT TREATMENT MODEL

Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Referred by House to Committee on Appropriations (4/29/2025)
Primary subjects: Medicaid, behavioral health, substance use disorder services, peer support

Purpose

HB 7023 proposes to authorize Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by substance abuse coaches and mental health counselors when delivered under a peer support treatment model. The intent is to formally include peer-based behavioral health services in the state Medicaid program to expand access to supports for people with substance use and mental health needs.

Key provisions (based on bill title and available legislative actions)

The text of the bill was not included in the materials provided. Based on the bill title and usual legislative practice, HB 7023 likely would:

  • Establish Medicaid-covered billing and reimbursement for services delivered by certified substance abuse coaches and mental health counselors operating within a peer support treatment model.
  • Define eligible provider types (e.g., certified peer specialists, substance abuse recovery coaches, licensed counselors) and service settings.
  • Set requirements for provider certification, training, supervision, or credentialing to qualify for Medicaid payment.
  • Direct the Department of Social Services (or the relevant Medicaid agency) to create billing codes, rates, and program rules, and to implement necessary administrative changes.
  • Potentially require reporting or evaluation of outcomes, utilization, or costs related to Medicaid-covered peer support services.

Because the full bill text is not included here, the exact statutory changes, definitions, and implementation timelines are not known.

Who would be affected

  • Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions (expanded access to peer support services).
  • Substance abuse coaches, peer support specialists, and mental health counselors (new reimbursement opportunities).
  • Behavioral health provider organizations and community-based programs (billing, credentialing, program design).
  • State Medicaid program and state budget (potential increased expenditures or savings depending on utilization and outcomes).

Procedural history & timeline

  • 2/20/2025: Introduced and referred to the Joint Committee on Human Services.
  • 2/27/2025: Public hearing held.
  • 3/5/2025: Joint Favorable; filed with LCO.
  • 3/17–3/18/2025: Reported out of LCO, favorable report, and placed on House calendar (House Calendar No. 105; File No. 120).
  • 3/11/2025: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis.
  • 4/29/2025: Referred by House to Committee on Appropriations.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access: Could expand low‑barrier, recovery‑oriented services and engagement for Medicaid enrollees.
  • Workforce: May increase demand for certified peer specialists and training capacity.
  • Costs: Short‑term increases in Medicaid spending are possible; longer‑term net savings could arise if peer support reduces emergency, inpatient, or higher‑cost utilization—OFA analysis will be important.
  • Implementation: Requires administrative work (billing codes, provider enrollment, training standards, oversight).

Next steps / How to follow

  • Review the bill text and the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) and Office of Legislative Research (OLR) reports for specific language and fiscal estimates.
  • Monitor hearings and the Appropriations Committee for amendments related to funding, provider definitions, and implementation timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.