This article explores the integration of Medicaid funding for Parent Peer Support (PPS) services. It outlines how PPS programs, which involve parents with lived experience supporting other parents of children with behavioral health needs, are increasingly recognized as beneficial in mental health systems.
Key points include:
- Overview of Parent Peer Support: Defines PPS as a valuable service where trained parents provide guidance and support based on their own experiences navigating the mental health system for their children.
- State Medicaid Coverage: Discusses the varying degrees of Medicaid coverage across states for PPS services, highlighting some states’ comprehensive coverage while others have limited or no coverage.
- Challenges and Opportunities: Identifies challenges such as inconsistent funding and limited recognition of PPS in Medicaid reimbursement policies. It also discusses opportunities for advocacy and policy changes to enhance Medicaid support for PPS.
- Case Examples: Provides case examples of states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania that have successfully integrated PPS into Medicaid-funded services, illustrating effective models and outcomes.
Overall, the document advocates for expanding Medicaid coverage to include PPS services nationwide, emphasizing their role in improving outcomes for families navigating the complexities of mental health systems.
