Providers Reference Library: NYS Medicaid Children’s Programs

Transition of Children in Voluntary Foster Care Into Medicaid Managed Care 

Effective July 1, 2021, children placed in voluntary foster care will transition into Medicaid Managed Care. Voluntary Foster Care Agencies (VFCAs) who obtain an Article 29-I licensure will be able to provide core limited health-related services (CLHRS) to foster care children, and other limited health related services (OLHRS) as determined by NYS. As part of this transition, MVP has a dedicated foster care liaison who will act as a single point of contact between MVP and the VFCAs, and other health care partners. 

Core limited health-related services include 

• Skill building 
• Nursing supports and medication management 
• Medicaid treatment planning and discharge planning 
• Clinical consultation and supervision 
• Managed Care Liaison/ administration 

 

Limited health-related services may include 

• Screening, diagnosis, and treatment related to physical/developmental/Behavioral Health 
• Children and family treatment and support services (when designated a children’s Provider) 
• Children’s home and community-based services (when designated a children’s Provider) 

 

Training requirements and options 

New York State requires Providers to take training related to VFCA. The training is self-directed; however, MVP PR representatives will be happy to assist or answer any questions. Providers are required to verify they have completed one of the trainings. 

• MVP Providers who are not eligible for Article 29-1 licensure should complete the Provider Medicaid Childrens Foster Care Training
• MVP Providers who are requesting the new Article 29-I licensure should complete the MVP Medicaid Children’s Foster Care Training for Foster Care Agencies 

Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) 

As of January 1, 2020 MVP covers more Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS). These services help children and their families improve their health, well-being, and quality of life. 

CFTSS are for children under age 21 with behavioral health needs. These services may be provided at home or in the community. As of January 1, 2020, MVP Medicaid Managed Care members under age 21 will be able to access the following services: 

 

Youth Peer Support and Training 

This benefit is provided by a credentialed Youth Peer Advocate, or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate with a youth focus who has similar experiences. This benefit provides support and assistance with: 

• Developing skills to manage health challenges and be independent, 
• Feeling empowered to make decisions, 
• Making connections to natural supports and resources, and 
• Transitioning to the adult health system when the time is right 

 

Crisis Intervention 

This benefit provides professional help at home or in the community when a child or youth is distressed and cannot be helped by family, friends, and other supports. This benefit includes support and help with using crisis plans to de-escalate the crisis to prevent or reduce future crises. 

Who is eligible for these services? 

Medicaid members under the age of 21, that have behavioral health needs and/or medically complex conditions are eligible to receive services in their own home or community. These services were previously covered under Medicaid fee-for-service for children under Medicaid’s waiver programs. 

How will services be rendered? 

MVP will collaborate with Health Home Care Managers, Children Youth Evaluation Services (CYES), service providers, and caregivers to help members to manage chronic health conditions and improve health outcomes. 

MVP will receive plans of care prior to 10/1/2019 for review. Children in treatment as of 10/1/2019 may continue with their current HCBS care providers for continuity of care. MVP will continue to authorize the most recent plan of care in effect when services are transitioned to MMC. Continuity of care will be in place for the first 24 months of the transition. 

How do I learn more about these and other services? 

MVP has produced training documents for HCBS, Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS), and Children’s Transition information that may be helpful to providers. These are available in our Provider Education library. 

As of July 1, 2019, MVP covers more behavioral health services for children and youth. 

MVP Medicaid Managed Care members under age 21 will be able to access the following services: 

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), including: 

• Outpatient Clinic (Hospital Based) 
• Rehabilitation Programs (Hospital Based) 
• Opioid Treatment Program Services (Hospital Based) 
• Chemical Dependence Inpatient Rehabilitative Services 
• Injections for Behavioral Health Related Conditions 

Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS), including: 

• Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) 
• Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment (CPST) 
• Family Peer Support Services 
• Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP) 
• Office of Mental Health (OMH) Outpatient Services and Designated Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Clinic Services 
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) 
• Continuing Day Treatment 
• Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) 
• Partial Hospitalization 
• Psychiatric Services 
• Psychological Services 
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) including Extended Observation 
• Inpatient Psychiatric Services  

 

Who is covered for these services? 

MVP will cover these services for all eligible children and youth under age 21, including those: 

• With Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Who have Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) status, or 
• Who have been determined certified disabled by a New York Medical disability review.  

As of January 1, 2019, children with non-Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) will have additional coverage so they can take advantage of additional behavioral health treatment and support services for their families. 

These services place strong emphasis on early identification and access to treatment. The intention is to prevent the onset or progression of behavioral health conditions and a need for long-term or more expensive services. Some of these services will allow the child to be treated in the home and other natural, community-based settings where children/youth and their families live. 

What are the first three services? 

The services that will be effective January 1 include: 

• Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP) – lets children get individual, group, or family therapy where they are most comfortable. 
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) – helps children relearn skills to help them in the community. 
• Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment (CPST) – helps children stay in their home and communicate better with family, friends, and others. 

 

Additional Resources 

Information on Transition Age Youth Provider Support is available on the New York State Office of Mental Health Services website. 

Additional information on how Providers can deliver care to children and families who experience mild-to-moderate mental health concerns can be found on the Project Teach website. 

MVP Health Care is administering HCBS Services. For questions, contact MVP Provider Services at 1-800-684-9286.