School-Based Behavioral Health and Substance Use Services Are Covered Under Medicaid’s EPSDT Requirements
August 28, 2026
What are CMS’ policies concerning coverage of behavioral health and substance use services under the EPSDT benefit? Can schools provide screenings and preventive services outside the periodicity schedule? And how can school districts and states work together to support care coordination? This brief discusses the takeaways from CMS’ 2026 EPSDT Toolkit — State Medicaid & CHIP Toolkit for Children’s Behavioral Health Services and the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Requirements — concerning school-based services, drawing on previous CMS guidance and bulletins.
