North Dakota – The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting public comment on a five-year renewal to the state’s Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment. This amendment allows Medicaid to fund additional in-home and community-based services for qualifying children and adults with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and/or brain injuries. Comments will be accepted through March 28 at noon CT.

As part of the renewal, HHS proposes updates to language in alignment with behavioral health best practices and the implementation of improved quality measurements to support Medicaid’s overall quality improvement strategy. No changes are being made to the general provider policies of 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,” said Sarah Aker, HHS Medical Services Division director.

In January 2025, nearly 900 individuals benefited from Medicaid 1915(i) services, which include housing, educational and employment supports, community transition services, peer support, care coordination, respite care, and other supportive services. The program is supported by nearly 500 individual and agency providers.

“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 available online at [hhs.nd.gov/1915i](https://hhs.nd.gov/1915i). Copies are available upon request.

Submitting comments:
– Email: [email protected]
– Phone: 701-239-8987, or 711 (TTY)
– Fax: 701-328-1544
– Mail: North Dakota Health and Human Services, Medical Services Division, Attn: Cody Stanley, 600 E. Blvd. Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND, 58505-0250

After the public comment period ends, the Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment will be submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for review and approval. The amendment is expected to be effective on Oct. 1, 2025.