Provider Notice issued 02/01/2024

This notice is to inform providers of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for two initiatives to support the implementation of new Medicaid Community-Based Behavioral Health (CBS) services for underserved areas of the State.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Description:

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provided qualifying states with a temporary 10 percentage point increase to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for certain Medicaid expenditures for home and community-based services (HCBS) provided between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Under ARP section 9817, states must use the federal funds attributable to the increased FMAP to supplement, not replace, existing state funds expended for Medicaid HCBS in effect as of April 1, 2021. Additionally, states must use state funds equivalent to the amount of federal funds attributable to the increased FMAP to implement or supplement the implementation of one or more activities to enhance, expand, or strengthen HCBS under the Medicaid program.

In accordance with these APRA requirements, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is releasing this NOFO to obtain funding applications to support the implementation of Medicaid-covered community-based behavioral health services, with an emphasis on enhancing access to services in underserved areas and to intensive and team-based behavioral health services. This NOFO is targeted toward providers who are interested in one or more of the following opportunities: 1) opening new Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) or new Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) sites in underserved areas of the state; and 2) existing CMHC or BHC sites who want to expand the Medicaid Community-Based Behavioral Services (CBS) they offer, with an emphasis on expanding access to intensive and team-based services such as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Community Support Team (CST), Violence Prevention Community Support Team (VP-CST), and the community-based services under the Pathways to Success program (limited to Respite, Therapeutic Mentoring, Family Peer Support, Intensive Home-Based).

The NOFO includes $25,000,000 of total available funding under two distinct initiatives:

Initiative 1: $15,000,000 to support the opening of new Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) or new Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) sites in the state. 

Award Range: $100,000 - $3,000,000                             

Initiative 2: $10,000,000 to support existing CMHC or BHC sites who want to expand the Medicaid Community-Based Behavioral Services (CBS) they offer, with an emphasis on expanding access to intensive and team-based services.

Award Range: $10,000 - $1,000,000

The funding opportunity is open and available to both existing and new Medicaid providers. Entities may submit a single application for this funding opportunity but must clearly outline the opportunity(ies) for which the applicant is seeking funding.

The full program description and contents of the NOFO may be accessed through the HFS COVID-19 Grants Portal at caresapp.hfs.illinois.gov. 

Submission Requirements:

Providers interested in applying for funding under this NOFO must complete the Uniform Grant Application and submit the completed document along with a written proposal that addresses how the applicant plans to meet the eligibility requirements, as detailed in the NOFO.

Interested applicants must submit an expression of interest to the Department at HFS.BBH@illinois.gov by 12:00pm CST March 15, 2024.

At a minimum, the expression of interest should include the name of your entity, the name, email address and phone number of the individual who will serve as your contact for your application and the specific service area/location and services for which your entity intends to apply.

Following the expression of interest, a contact and application record will be created. Applicants will receive a notice via email with specific instructions for accessing the application record and submitting the application.

Applications will be accepted prior to 12:00pm March 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted through the HFS COVID-19 grants portal at caresapp.hfs.illinois.gov.

Informational Webinar:

HFS will be hosting informational webinars for interested applicants to overview the initiatives, provider requirements, and submission requirements. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Each session will cover the same material. It is not necessary to attend both.

Webinar Date and Time:

Session 1:

February 20, 2024
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Interested participants must register prior to the webinar at the registration link.

Session 2:

February 23, 2024
10:00am – 11:30am
Interested participants must register prior to the webinar at the registration link.

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Behavioral Health at HFS.BBH@illinois.gov.

Kelly Cunningham, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs