Dr. Nizar Wehbi State Health Officer | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Nizar Wehbi State Health Officer | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting public feedback on the proposed five-year renewal of the state's Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment. This amendment enables Medicaid to cover additional in-home and community-based services for eligible children and adults with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or brain injuries. Public comments will be accepted until March 28 at noon CT.
The renewal includes language updates to align with behavioral health best practices and introduces improved quality measurements that support Medicaid's overall quality improvement strategy. No changes are proposed for general provider policies under Medicaid 1915(i).
“The Medicaid 1915(i) program provides a pathway for qualifying Medicaid members with behavioral health needs to access in-home and community-based services and supports closer to home. This aligns with our agency’s strategic priorities,” stated Sarah Aker, HHS Medical Services Division director.
In January 2025, nearly 900 individuals received various Medicaid 1915(i) services such as housing, educational and employment supports; community transition services; peer support; care coordination; respite care; among others. Nearly 500 individual and agency providers are enrolled to deliver these services.
“We continue to work on strengthening this program and its impact on the health and well-being of our members,” Aker added.
The draft five-year renewal is accessible online at hhs.nd.gov/1915i, with copies available upon request.
To submit comments, individuals may email stanleycody@nd.gov, call 701-239-8987 or TTY at 711, fax at 701-328-1544, or mail them to North Dakota Health and Human Services, Medical Services Division, Attn: Cody Stanley, 600 E. Blvd. Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND, 58505-0250.
Once the comment period concludes, the five-year renewal will be submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for review and approval. The renewed plan is anticipated to take effect on October 1, 2025.
In the background context provided by HHS: during the legislative session of 2019, North Dakota lawmakers authorized what was then known as the North Dakota Department of Human Services to establish a Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment aimed at addressing gaps in the state’s behavioral health system. CMS approved this amendment in December 2020.
Since its initial approval by CMS several changes have been implemented including lowering of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) eligibility score allowing more individuals access to these services while also streamlining provider enrollment processes fostering a stronger network of service providers.
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