HHSC: Implementation of Peer Support Services as a Medicaid Benefit

Meeting Summary. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) held a public hearing to update the public on the implementation of Peer Support Services as a Medicaid Benefit. House Bill 1486, 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, directed the HHSC to add peer support services as a Medicaid benefit. As required by the bill, a stakeholder workgroup provided input on Medicaid rules defining requirements for training, certification, scope of services, and supervision of peer specialists. HHSC used this meeting to take public comment and review the bill, the stakeholder’s work, and the draft rules. [Peer Support Services] Peer support is when someone with lived experience gives encouragement and assistance to help someone with mental illness or a substance use disorder achieve long-term recovery. Peers offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance, and connect people with resources, opportunities and communities of support. To define