The Department of Mental Health has been provided $5 million from the Missouri General Revenue fund to support EMS transport of non-covered or non-­Insured behavioral health patients by ambulance to the most appropriate facility for service. Department of Mental Health has contracted with Missouri EMS Agent Corporation to administer this program. This program will provide for reimbursement of covered transports provided from July 1, 2023 until all funds have been disbursed. 

Currently, EMS services are not reimbursed for transporting patients to an alternate destination, including behavioral health crisis centers (BHCC), even though the individual may be best served by a BHCC instead of a hospital Emergency Department. The motto of this program is "Right Place, First Time." EMS providers seeking payment through this program should educate and train its staff on the "Right Place, First Time" protocol and transport model, as well as actively participate in their local Missouri CIT council. 

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