Supplemental Block Grant and FMAP Funding
Recent federal legislation provides supplemental funding to mental health services through time-limited expansions of:
- Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Block Grant
- Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) share of funds for Medicaid programs
The Office of Mental Health (OMH) will be working with community stakeholders to identify opportunities for these funds to best meet unmet prevention, treatment, and recovery needs for people with or at risk of serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Supplements
OMH has received two notifications of awards for supplemental CMHS Block Grant funding totaling $126.3 million.
SAMHSA indicates that this funding should address unmet need and capacity growth with an emphasis on crisis services,
Review the OMH CMHS Block Grant Supplementary Funding Report for more information.
Federal Medical Assistance Percentage Rate Increase
Investments made under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan include rate increases for:
- Assertive Community Treatment
- Rehabilitation in Community Residence
- Personalized Recovery Oriented Services
- Adult Home and Community Based Programs (HCBS)
These programs will receive ongoing and temporary investments as a direct result of the American Rescue Plan. Pending approvals, all rates are effective beginning in October 2021. Permanent rate increases will continue after April 1, 2022.
Medicaid Behavioral Health Rehabilitation programs will receive temporary rate increases for recruitment and retention of experienced and dedicated direct care and other staff. Measures include:
- targeted loan forgiveness
- tuition reimbursement
- hiring and signing bonuses
- longevity payments
- expanded student placements
- shift differential pay
- retirement contributions
These enhancements are effective October 2021 through March 2022.
OMH posts up-to-date rate information for all programs at OMH Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
The New York State Department of State posted pertinent Federal Public Notice (FPN) for affected programs:
Assertive Community Treatment FPN (Clarification raises rates to 10.4% / 8.5% workforce for the period 10/7/21 through 3/31/22 to be published 10/27)
Personalized Recovery Oriented Services FPN
Medicaid State Plan Amendments (SPAs) for affected programs will be published when they are submitted to CMS. SPAs are available through the Department of Health.
Current Funding Opportunities
OMH has issued the following requests for interest and/or proposals (accessible to eligible applicants via the New York State Contract Reporter).
First Episode Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care (Statewide)- Issued June 18, 2021
Young Adult Assertive Community Treatment (NYC)- Issued July 29, 2021
Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Statewide)- Issued August 4, 2021
Young Adult Assertive Community Treatment (Western NY)- Issued August 19, 2021
Peer-to-Peer Supported Transition Program (Statewide)- Issued August 26, 2021
Intensive Community Based Services for Children/Youth- Issued August 31, 2021
Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $21 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen the State's Mental Health Workforce- Issued October 14, 2021
Systems of Care Grant- Issued October 21, 2021
Expand Certified and Credentialed Peer Capacity- Issued October 29, 2021
Guidance on Eligible Workforce Funding Activities under CMHS Block Grant- Issued October 29, 2021
Guidance on Eligible Workforce Funding Activities under Enhanced FMAP- Issued October 29, 2021
OMH Workforce Funds Certification-Attestation: CMHS Block Grant and Enhanced FMAP- Issued October 29, 2021
Public Feedback
To ensure these resources are applied toward the areas of highest need under CMHS and CMS guidelines, OMH has and will continue to engage with stakeholders to allocate and track these funds.
In April 2021, OMH held a series of regional stakeholder feedback sessions to receive input on the allocation of this funding. The feedback received during these sessions, in addition to the written feedback received and other stakeholder input, will be used to develop plans for these funds as they become available.
Stakeholder Feedback Session Recordings
Hudson River Region - April 19, 2021
Long Island Region - April 20, 2021
New York City - April 26, 2021
Western New York Region - April 29, 2021
Central New York Region - April 30, 2021
More Information
CMHS Letter from SAMHSA to New York State Office of Mental Health - March 11, 2021
CMHS Response Letter from the New York State Office of Mental Health to SAMHSA - April 5, 2021
CMHS Response Letter from the New York State Office of Mental Health to SAMHSA - May 5, 2021
FMAP Letter from CMS to State Medicaid Directors - May 13, 2021
CMHS Letter from SAMHSA to New York State Office of Mental Health on American Rescue Plan Act Block Grant Guidance - May 18, 2021
CMHS Letter from the New York State Office of Mental Health to SAMHSA - July 9, 2021
New York State Department of Health Enhanced Federal HCBS Funding Page- eFMAP
COVID-19 Mitigation Response Letter from the New York State Office of Mental Health to SAMHSA - October 1, 2021
Comments or questions about the information on this page can be directed to the Office of Planning.