The Department of Social Services (DSS) is soliciting proposals to obtain services to conduct stakeholder engagement to identify barriers, challenges, and develop recommendations and an action plan for implementation of Division FF, Title V, section 5121 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, known as Juvenile Justice Coverage. The offeror will also provide project management for implementation of recommendations and the action plan.
Federal juvenile justice coverage requirements provide for limited services for eligible juveniles in carceral settings effective January 1, 2025. Juveniles are only eligible for this limited coverage in the pre-release period if they are enrolled in Medicaid, have been adjudicated, and are within 30 days of release to the community. These coverages are intended to help provide a bridge to community reentry and establish care with community providers. Upon reentry into the community these juveniles will generally have full coverage Medicaid if they continue to meet Medicaid eligibility criteria.
Covered services during the pre-release period are targeted case management, screening services, diagnostic services, and immunizations. Federal regulations continue to prohibit Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of other services while the juvenile is incarcerated including treatment and problem-focused exams.
South Dakota Medicaid implemented this coverage change effective January 1, 2025. It is anticipated that even though Medicaid coverage and reimbursement is in place additional work is needed to develop the provider network and potentially refine the service delivery concept.
For more information regarding this topic please refer to the following federal and state guidance:
• https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho24004.pdf
• https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho24006.pdf
• https://dss.sd.gov/docs/medicaid/providers/billingmanuals/Professional/Justice_Involved_Youth_Case_Management_and_Pre-Release_Services.pdf
Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to Kirsten Blachford at Kirsten.Blachford@state.sd.us with the subject line RFP13429 Inquiries.
The State will to respond to offeror’s inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State’s responses will be posted on the state’s e-procurement system and the DSS website at http://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/rfp.aspx. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.