SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has formally applied for a waiver of federal Medicaid rules so the state can take a more comprehensive approach to treating mental illness and addiction among the more than 3 million Illinoisans covered by the public health insurance program for the poor.If granted, the waiver would allow Medicaid funding to be used for services that aren’t typically covered by the joint state-federal program, such as supportive housing for people with mental illness, job support for people with substance abuse problems, and certain medication-based addiction treatments for inmates nearing release from state prisons.After gathering feedback on the plan in writing and at public hearings, the state submitted its application last week to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said Felicia Norwood, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

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Officials laud Medicaid waiver proposal for mental illness, addiction … – Bloomington Pantagraph