MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Medicaid Coverage of Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center Services
Maryland Medicaid·MD · Psychiatry·Behavioral Health Administration Services Organization
Effective date
Jun 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Maryland Medicaid now covers Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center (BHCSC) services for outpatient crisis intervention lasting less than 24 hours. Providers must obtain BHA licensing and Medicaid enrollment to bill code S9485 at $742.85 per admission episode starting July 1, 2024.
Action Required
Behavioral health providers in Maryland: 1) Obtain BHA license for BHCSC services, 2) Complete Medicaid enrollment via ePREP portal with required documentation including W-9, BHA license, provider addendum, and background checks, 3) Update billing systems to include S9485 code with rates $721.21 (through 6/30/24) and $742.85 (starting 7/1/24), 4) Ensure 24/7 staffing and COMAR compliance requirements are met before billing.