Georgia Considers Medicaid Reimbursement for At-Home Mental Health Care

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Georgia lawmakers are working to pass legislation, Senate Bill 428, that would allow the state to submit a waiver application to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to request Medicaid funding to pay for mental health services provided in home settings. The bill aims to assist Georgians who do not need to be placed in mental health institutions or other facilities.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation could improve access to mental healthcare for Georgians by providing reimbursement options for at-home services, potentially reducing the need for more costly institutional care. It aligns with broader efforts to integrate mental health treatment into community-based settings.

The details

If SB 428 passes, the Georgia Department of Community Health would submit a waiver request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by the end of 2026 to authorize Medicaid reimbursements for home and community-based mental healthcare. Patients 21 and older would need to be evaluated by DCH to determine eligibility based on factors like hospitalization history, psychiatric crises, emergency visits, incarceration, and homelessness.

• Senate Bill 428 is currently being considered by Georgia lawmakers.
• If passed, DCH would submit the Medicaid waiver request by December 31, 2026.

What’s next

If SB 428 passes, the next step would be for the Georgia Department of Community Health to submit the Medicaid waiver request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by the end of 2026.