CMS Funding Improvements to State-Based Marketplace Coverage
CMS is offering $20 million in grants to states in order to update their state-based exchanges. Each awardee can receive approximately $1.3 million
SUCCESS: Tennessee Advocates Obtain Permanent Increase in DSP Pay Rates
The Tennessee advocates worked with consumers, families, peers, and legislators to create an increase for direct care workers.
Nevada Moving Towards Public Option Health Plan with SB420
The state of Nevada could become the second state offering a public option health plan if the governor signs SB420
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.