Cost Effectiveness of Using Peers as Providers  Sue Bergeson, VP, Consumer Affairs, OptumHealth    The Center for Medicaid Services in its 2007 letter to states indicates that “Peer support services are an evidence-based mental health model of care which consists of a qualified peer support provider who assists individuals with their recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders. CMS recognizes that the experiences of peer support providers, as consumers of mental health and substance use services, can be an important component in a State’s delivery of effective treatment…