Relating to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain mental health procedures

SB 994 requires West Virginia Medicaid to set reimbursement rates for outpatient mental health services at the same level as Medicare Part B rates. It directly affects mental health providers in licensed behavioral health centers who offer services like psychotherapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations for adults, children, and families. The bill mandates a state board to develop a proposal for these rate increases by July 1, 2026, ensuring Medicaid rates never fall below Medicare rates for identical services. This change aims to improve payment equity for mental health care providers participating in Medicaid.