CMS Combating Health Disparities With LGBTQ+ Week of Action
June is Pride Month and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is focusing on LGBTQ+ persons and recognize their unique health needs
Tennessee’s Strong MLTSS Program
Tennessee has built a strong structure for their Medicaid-managed long-term services and supports community with a program they launched in 2010 called CHOICES. Their program has been revered for its flexibility, high quality, and consumer-first approach.
Home and Community-Based Services Gets Funding Boost from ARP
The American Rescue Plan boosted the federal matching rate (FMAP) for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) by 10 percentage points
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure Confirmed as Next CMS Administrator
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure was confirmed by the Senate as the next CMS Administrator, making her the first Black woman to lead the agency.
HHS Dedicates $4.8B to COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement for Uninsured Individuals
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced an additional $50 million in advertising to enhance the Special Enrollment Period outreach campaign.
Next Generation ACO Model Will Not Be Extended
The Next Generation ACO Model will come to an end on Dec. 31, 2021, as planned after CMS found no net savings to Medicare during the model’s run.
Iowa’s Health Link Drops the Ball
Iowa’s IA Health Link launch left both providers and consumers frustrated by putting their budget before the quality of care. We analyze the missteps they took after setting unrealistic timelines for the work that needed to be done. Their MLTSS program continues to serve as a learning tool for other state’s roll outs.
Primary Care First Model Application Deadline is May 21st
CMS reminds that the deadline to submit a practice application for the Primary Care First Model Cohort 2 is May 21, 2021
Implementing 10-Step Program to Improve Reduce Low-Value Care
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds names Elizabeth Matney as the new Director of Iowa’s Medicaid program.
CMS Releases eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials for 2022
CMS posted the eCQM specifications for the 2022 reporting period for eligible hospitals and CAHs, and the 2022 performance period for eligible professionals and eligible clinicians.