Mobile Crisis & 23‑Hour Stabilization for Kentucky Medicaid

Mobile Crisis & 23‑Hour Stabilization for Kentucky Medicaid.

The Problem. 988 answer performance is strong (~90–91%) and call volumes are rising across Kentucky. Field capacity lags: 24/7 mobile crisis and 23‑hour stabilization aren’t consistently available in every region. Families default to EDs or law enforcement for health crises—costly, traumatic, and inefficient..

Events: ER boarding, long waits, law‑enforcement hand‑offs.

The Solution & The Ask. 1) Codify mobile crisis + 23‑hour stabilization statewide, aligned to CMS‑approved SPA standards. 2) Fund to draw the 85% federal match (ARP §9813) and braid local 988 resources. 3) Require uniform MCO coverage/payment for initial crisis response—no prior auth; align codes/criteria. 4) Publish a quarterly public dashboard: response times, ED/jail diversions, and 7‑day follow‑up by county..

Stakeholders & Equity. Families & Members (benefit).

Implementation & Metrics. 0–6 months • Finalize regs & contracts • Launch high‑need regions • Standardize codes & no‑PA.

Values & Stewardship. Love your neighbor (Mark 12:31): meet people in crisis with timely care. Justice (Micah 6:8): equitable access across rural and underserved counties. Stewardship: redirect avoidable ED/jail costs into effective community care..

Please advance the KY Mobile Crisis & Stabilization Act this session..

Selected Sources. • CMS – State Plan Amendment KY‑24‑0016 (Mobile Crisis reimbursement; effective Jan 1, 2025). • Medicaid.gov – ARP §9813: State option for qualifying community‑based mobile crisis (85% federal match). • KY 988 Public Dashboard – state call volume, answer rate, performance metrics. • Inseparable (2024) – Kentucky crisis system snapshot (estimated mobile team need, financing/accountability levers). • KY CHFS/KYMMIS – Managed care communications & PA guidance (alignment opportunity)..