As states explore the health home opportunities presented by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they may want to consider the use of Care Management Entities (CMEs) as behavioral health home providers for children and youth with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED). CMEs serve as centralized accountable hubs for the coordination of all care for children with complex behavioral health challenges who are involved in multiple systems and their families.

This document is intended to serve as a technical assistance resource for the states participating in the CHIPRA CME Quality Collaborative and can also help states in thinking about health home strategies for high-risk groups of children. It provides sample language to help states structure their dialogue with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and submission to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the use of CMEs as behavioral health homes. State examples and references to ACA provisions are included in ‘comment boxes.’ This resource can help state Medicaid agencies articulate how CMEs may serve as designated health home providers for children and youth with SED. It is not intended either to suggest or ensure the approval of a health home State Plan Amendment by CMS.