Comprehensive Community Services – Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Benefit

The Governor’s budget seeks to eliminate the statutory language in s. 49.45 (30e) that authorized the creation of a Medicaid psycho-social rehabilitation benefit, which became known as Comprehensive Community Services, or CCS.

Talking points for not eliminating this benefit

Implementing CCS would not have an effect on state GPR. Federal MA and county match would fund it.

The Legislature approved this benefit in 1997 Wisconsin Act 27.

• The DHFS supported this benefit as it was recognized that the provider network at the time was not able to adequately meet the needs of all consumers seeking or requiring services.
• Significant numbers of consumers did not require the intensity of services provided by Community Support Programs yet had needs that could not be met by the other available treatment providers.
• It was further recognized that the treatment needs of children, adolescents and elders who were not involved in the current system of service delivery could benefit from inclusion in community based psychosocial services called for in Act 27.
  The development of CCS in Wisconsin is critical for the following reasons:
• CCS would offer a level of service in the community that is beyond the scope of current out patient, targeted case management and day treatment services.
• CCS would ease the burden of waiting lists and has the potential to prevent the use of unfavorable and more costly treatment options such as out-of-county placements, CBRFs, or nursing home stays.
• CCS would allow for judicious use of service resources providing a range of service choices that would better match the needs of individual consumers. The current limitations lead to some individuals being under-served or taking a “slot” in a program intended to serve people with greater needs because there are not less intensive alternatives.
• CCS would provide a needed funding stream to county mental health systems for services that are greatly needed but at present are minimally reimbursed.
• CCS would allow for more consumer options and greater choice.