CMS approved a New Hampshire Medicaid managed-care payment proposal for a uniform increase for qualified outpatient behavioral health services in 2026–27.
CMS approves state-directed payment proposal
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved New Hampshire’s proposal for a state-directed payment under Medicaid managed-care plan contracts. CMS stated in its May 28, 2026 letter that it reviewed the submission under federal Medicaid managed-care regulations.
According to CMS, New Hampshire submitted the proposal on March 31, 2026. CMS received a final revised preprint on May 12, 2026, identified by the control name NH_Fee_BHO_Renewal_20260701-20270630.
Payment increase for qualified outpatient services
CMS said the approved proposal covers a uniform dollar increase for qualified behavioral health outpatient services established by the state. The payment applies to the rating period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
According to CMS, the increase will be incorporated into Medicaid managed-care capitation rates through a separate payment term. CMS described that amount as up to $2,650,000.
The CMS letter does not identify particular behavioral health services, providers, or treatment types included in the qualified outpatient services. It also does not state how the uniform dollar increase will be distributed among eligible services or providers.
Approval is limited to the identified action
CMS said its letter meets the regulatory requirement under 42 CFR 438.6(c)(2) and applies only to the state-directed payment actions identified in the approval. CMS stated that the approval does not approve any particular Medicaid financing mechanism used to support the non-federal share of spending.
CMS also stated that New Hampshire must submit contract actions and related capitation rates that include all state-directed payments. Under the agency’s requirements, those payments must be addressed in the applicable rate certifications.
What this means for New Hampshire patients
CMS approved a Medicaid managed-care payment increase for certain qualified outpatient behavioral health services, but the source does not specify whether any particular treatment is included. For people seeking treatment locally, the directory lists 29 published clinics in New Hampshire.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.