MetroPlusHealth is committed to being your partner in care, and we want to keep you informed about important updates to behavioral health services in New York State (NYS). Effective February 1, 2022, NYS is improving access to services by transitioning four Behavioral Health Home and Community Based Services (BH HCBS) to a new, enhanced service array known as Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) Services. This update is designed to provide more comprehensive and accessible support for individuals seeking to achieve their recovery goals.
Understanding CORE Services: Your Pathway to Recovery
CORE Services are specialized supports designed to assist individuals aged 21 and over, who are Medicaid recipients and enrolled in a Health and Recovery Program (HARP), in reaching their personal recovery objectives. These services are also available to some individuals enrolled in HIV-Special Needs Plans or Medicaid Advantage Plus Plans. The goal of CORE Services is to empower individuals to live more independently and achieve milestones such as securing employment or pursuing education. Best of all, CORE services are fully covered by health insurance, ensuring there is no direct cost to our valued members.
The four BH HCBS transitioning to CORE Services include:
- Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST): Providing personalized support and strategies to manage mental health conditions within the community.
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR): Focusing on restoring and enhancing social, emotional, and intellectual skills to improve daily functioning.
- Family Support and Training (FST): Offering education, resources, and support to families to better understand and assist their loved ones in their recovery journey.
- Empowerment Services – Peer Support (Peer Support): Connecting individuals with peer specialists who offer lived experience and guidance in navigating recovery.
It’s important to note that Short-term and Intensive Crisis Respite services will transition to Crisis Intervention Benefit Crisis Residence services, which are already accessible to all adult Medicaid Managed Care enrollees. All other existing BH HCBS will continue to be available with their current requirements and processes.
Expanded Services for Children and Families
Since January 1, 2019, NYS Children’s Medicaid has also expanded its services to empower children and youth under 21 and their families. These vital services are designed to improve health, well-being, and overall quality of life. By strengthening families, these services ensure informed decision-making about care and are conveniently provided within the home or community. You can learn more about these valuable resources here.
Important Update: Foster Care Transition to Medicaid Managed Care
MetroPlusHealth is further extending its Partners In Care approach to support children and youth in foster care. Starting July 1, 2021, MetroPlusHealth began covering Article 29-I Voluntary Foster Care Agency (VFCA) Health Facility services for children and youths under age 21 in foster care and other designated special populations.
Also from July 1, 2021, it became mandatory for certain children and youth to enroll in a Medicaid managed care plan, specifically:
- Children and youth in foster care within New York City.
- Children and youth in foster care who are also receiving services at a 29-I VFCA Health Facility.
It is important to note that some children and youth in foster care will remain in regular Medicaid and will continue to receive services through that system.
Your Partner in Health and Recovery
MetroPlusHealth is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care and support. We encourage you to learn more about these expanded services and how they can benefit you or your family. If you have any questions about CORE services or any other aspect of your behavioral health care, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-303-9626 or speak with your behavioral health provider. We are here to partner with you on your journey to wellness.
