Issue Briefs | Mar 21, 2025

EPSDT Guidance: State Implications and Approaches to Behavioral Health for Children and Youth

Jocelyn Guyer, Ashley Traube, John O’Brien, Cindy Mann, and Patti Boozang, Manatt Health

On September 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a State Health Official letter to states on federal Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements. The guidance offers insight into states’ EPSDT obligations, as well as a set of recommended strategies to improve the services they provide to children and youth. This issue brief outlines actions for states to review the EPSDT guidance with an eye towards how they can continue to improve coverage, access, and quality of behavioral healthcare for children and youth enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.