The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has announced significant upcoming changes to its Medicaid and FAMIS behavioral health benefits, stemming from the new 2026 Appropriation Act. These modifications include the discontinuation of Community Stabilization services and a reduction in the duration of Mobile Crisis Response services.
Specifically, DMAS will no longer cover Community Stabilization. Additionally, the maximum duration for Mobile Crisis Response services will be shortened from the current eight hours to four hours per instance. These changes are not yet in effect and require approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) before implementation.
Once CMS provides its approval, DMAS will notify beneficiaries via letter with the exact start dates for these adjustments. DMAS Director Steve Ford said that Medicaid/FAMIS coverage itself is not ending. Individuals needing behavioral health support are advised to contact their provider, managed care health plan, or local Community Services Board to explore alternative Medicaid/FAMIS services.