Important Medicaid Mental Health Framework Updates

🚨Important Medicaid Mental Health Framework Updates 🚨 

Beginning October 1, 2025, all Medicaid clients must be assessed with a state-designated tool:

• MichiCANS for children and youth (under 21)

• LOCUS for adults (21 and older)

These assessments will determine the client’s level of mental health need.

• 📅 October 1, 2025: Providers must begin using the assessments. Training for the MichiCANS is now open and required before use. (LOCUS training will be announced soon.)

• October 1, 2026: Coverage responsibility will shift based on assessment scores.

  • Clients with lower levels of need will have most mental health services covered by their Medicaid Health Plan (MHP).

  • Clients with higher levels of need will be referred to and covered by their local Community Mental Health (CMH)/PIHP.

✅ Action Steps for Providers:

1. Register now for MichiCANS training (required before October 2025). Training spots are limited.
   🔗 Register here

2. Watch for updates on LOCUS training.

3. Prepare for new referral and contracting processes that begin October 2026.

For questions, contact MDHHS at MDHHS-MentalHlthFramework@michigan.gov

Additionally, a virtual space has been created for behavioral health providers to share what they know, ask questions, and to connect. If you are interested in joining the Facebook group, please click here (Michigan Medicaid Collab).