Say Ahhh!
A Health Policy Blog
New Rule Lays Groundwork for Hospital Transparency and Accountability for Maternity Care
Last month, CMS finalized a rule that lays the groundwork for a major step forward for hospital accountability for maternity care. Tucked inside an annual final rulemaking on Medicare hospital payment, CMS added a new requirement for hospitals to publicly report maternity care quality metrics. Depending on the hospital’s performance, hospitals may be awarded a […]
CMS Spotlights State Strategies for Protecting Continuity of Health Coverage when PHE Lifts
As planning for the eventual unwinding of the COVID-19 related Medicaid continuous coverage protection continues, CMS has made significant efforts to provide additional tools and flexibilities to smooth the process for states and promote continuity of coverage. One such effort is allowing states to request time-limited waivers, authorized under Section 1902(e)(14)(A), to assist Medicaid agencies […]
Medicaid Managed Care: The Big Five in PHE Q10 (Q2 2022)
June 30 marked the end of calendar quarter 10 of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), or PHE Q10. For the five national companies with the largest Medicaid managed care businesses, the past two- and one-half years have been a period of particularly robust growth. Since PHE Q1, which ended on March 31, 2020, enrollment […]
Medicaid and the 988 Mental Health Crisis Services Lifeline: State Approaches
Last month, the new three-digit mental health crisis and suicide prevention number – 988 – went live for call, text, and chat. Established by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, this easy to remember number is meant to support people experiencing suicidal ideation, mental health and substance use crises, or any kind of […]
CMS Awards Over $49 Million to 36 Organizations in 20 States to Connect Kids, Parents, and Pregnant People to Coverage
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), recently awarded $49 million to 36 organizations in 20 states to provide enrollment and renewal assistance to children, their families, and pregnant people. These grants will allow a wide range of organizations, including state and local governments, […]
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Provision Directs CMS to Review State EPSDT Implementation, including in Managed Care
Last month my colleague Anne Dwyer summarized the now-enacted Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and its provisions with potential to boost access to mental health services for children and families. One we will be watching closely: a review of state Medicaid EPSDT requirements, services, and practices. Long time Say Ahhh! Readers know that Medicaid’s Early Periodic […]
