Below are answers to frequently asked questions related to the new recovery support services system. If you would like to recommend additional questions, please email AHS.VDHRSSComms@vermont.gov.
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The Department of Health is discussing telehealth and audio-only recovery services with Medicaid Policy and will share updates during future touchpoints with Recovery Services Organizations.
The Department of Health will coordinate with partners to gather information on this topic and share updates in future touchpoints with Recovery Services Organizations.
According to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and Act 170, the PRSS is a certification. The Department of Health will continue to work with OPR on clarity of language used on the PRSS certification certificate itself to reflect this clearly.
The Department of Health will be transitioning a portion of each Recovery Center’s grant funding to Medicaid program funding beginning July 1, 2027 with the expectation that each organization will bill Medicaid for reimbursable recovery support services starting July 1, 2027. There will be no “cap” on the amount of funding that may come from Medicaid reimbursable billing.
The Department of Health will address this question and rate discussions in an upcoming Touchpoint with the Recovery Services Organizations.
Yes. Substance use disorder is a chronic, life-long condition. Recovery Support Services (RSS) are critical to support the wellness of people throughout their recovery, regardless of whether they currently use, are recently in recovery, or have been in recovery long-term. RSS is designed to support long term recovery, and to support those who may be at risk of returning to misusing substances, so RSS may be medically necessary even in cases where substances are not actively being used. The RSS medical necessity screening questions take this into account by including an option for the participant to indicate that they are currently in recovery.
Service notes must include five key components:
RSOs should have procedures for background checks in compliance with State and Federal laws.; RSOs should outline any specific guidelines on background checks, including those related to volunteers, in the personnel Policies and Procedures (P&P) Manual. RSOs should also be aware that their insurance policies may include specific background check requirements.
Beginning July 2027, Certified Recovery Services Organizations are expected to be able to bill Medicaid for recovery coaching delivered to eligible Medicaid members. At this time, the Department of Health does not expect RSOs to bill private insurance for these services. The Health Department expects to continue providing Base grant funding to RSOs for services provided to those who are not eligible for Medicaid and those who are uninsured.
Recovery Coaching will be reimbursable for Wave 1 of the RSS Medicaid Benefit starting July 1, 2027. Any services provided before this date will not be Medicaid reimbursable.
The Health Department plans to work collaboratively with Recovery Services Organizations to determine the timing for additional wave(s). The next wave following recovery coaching will include group coaching.
The Department of Health will be transitioning a portion of each Recovery Center’s grant funding to Medicaid program funding with the expectation that each organization will bill Medicaid for reimbursable recovery support services starting July 1, 2027.
At this time, the Department of Health does not anticipate providing financial assistance to Certified Recovery Services Organizations (RSOs) specifically for Medicaid coding, though a portion of those costs were considered as part of rate setting. The Health Department will provide guidance and information to RSOs to support the organizations should they choose to hire a Medicaid coder/biller.
The Department of Health has described the documentation requirements currently known in touchpoints with Recovery Center Directors and in the RSO Standards. In reviewing RDP’s capabilities, RDP is sufficient in capturing the required documentation for the work of the Peer Recovery Support Specialists, RSO standards, and current Medicaid documentation requirements (outside of the direct billing process).
Recovery Support Services will be eligible under Medicaid no earlier than July 1, 2027. Funding discussions will be forthcoming.
Recovery support services need to be provided by Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist employed by a Vermont Department of Health Certified Recovery Services Organization.
The Department of Health, in coordination with the Vermont Department of Health Access and other partners, will provide technical assistance as the RSS Medicaid benefit is further developed.
If an organization is not certified by June 30, 2026, they are not eligible to receive federal or state funding from the Vermont Department of Health for the provision of recovery support services.
In order to be eligible for PRSS Certification, individuals must obtain the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Certified Recovery Coach credential through Prevention Works!VT which requires the completion of specific training. Please find information about training options through Prevention Works!VT.
The Division of Substance Use Recovery Team worked with Recovery Centers and community members to review and update the PRSS Code of Ethics. Please find the revised version here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/certified-prss-code-of-ethics.pdf.
The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s Peer Recovery certification will act as the Vermont Peer Recovery Support Specialist’s credentialing requirement needed to apply through the Office of Professional Regulation for PRSS Certification. In Vermont, the IC&RC’s Peer Recovery Certification is known as Certified Recovery Coach.
All those who have a current Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) certification utilizing the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) will be eligible for Office of Professional Regulation Peer Recovery Support Specialist certification. Individuals who currently hold the IC&RC Certified Recovery Coach credential are encouraged to review the PRSS Certification process flow for information about next steps: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/opr-prss-certification-process-flow.pdf.
The state will cover the Office of Professional Regulation Peer Recovery Support Specialist certification fee for people employed by or volunteering at one of Vermont’s 12 Recovery Centers through established grants with these organizations.
Information on being an Advisor can be found here along with the advisor application to apply. Peer Support Advisors meet at least once per year, as well as partner with the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) on any topic that may arise regarding the regulation of the profession as needed.
At this time, the IC&RC Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) Certification through Prevention Works!VT is required to apply for PRSS Certification through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and must be submitted as part of the PRSS application.
The RSO Certification application period is open until October 31st, 2025. RSO Certification will be required to receive funding from the Department of Health for the provision of recovery services beginning in SFY27.
Questions can be sent to ahs.vdhrecoveryandhrservices@vermont.gov.
Updates about this work will be reflected on this Q&A page, the Recovery Support Services page, and via the RSS Connect Newsletter
If you have additional questions, contact AHS.VDHRSSComms@vermont.gov
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
