Extends COVID-19 Medicaid per diem rate, and requires Medicaid coverage without prior authorization, for certain partial care behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services.

This New Jersey bill (S 669) extends Medicaid reimbursement rates for telehealth-based partial care behavioral health and substance use disorder services for 180 days after the federal waiver expires, while permanently eliminating prior authorization requirements for these services. It directly affects Medicaid providers and beneficiaries receiving non-residential behavioral health care, including psychiatric care, counseling, and case management. Key provisions require providers to submit progress reports on transitioning to in-person services and cover up to five hours daily (five days weekly) without prior approval. The bill ensures continued access to critical care during the pandemic recovery period while reducing administrative barriers for providers.