CMS released a state health official (SHO) letter outlining the requirements states and managed care plans must meet under Medicaid’s pediatric benefit, known as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment or EPSDT. The EPSDT SHO also describes some strategies and identifies best practices currently in use by states to meet the various requirements. This guidance marks an important step forward in ensuring that EPSDT lives up to its promises. Because the EPSDT SHO is long and detailed, we will continue to unpack it through this blog series. We plan to publish a report on EPSDT.

• Read the introductory blog
• Read the overview blog
• Read the blog on MCO Monitoring and Oversight
• Read the blog on Medicaid Prior Authorization Protections
• Read the blog on Policies and Strategies for Improving Care for Children with Behavioral Health Needs

Last Updated November 1, 2024