Trump Administration Proposes $15B Rescissions Package

Jun 6, 2018 | Legislation/ Budgets/ Macro

Trump administration has proposed a $15 billion rescissions package that includes cuts to discretionary healthcare programs such as CHIP. However, the proposal involves technical budget maneuvers that even if enacted are unlikely to affect actual spending. Further, the Congress is very unlikely to act on the proposal. Click to read more.

CMS Denies Medicaid Lifetime Limits

Jun 5, 2018 | Medicaid

Under the Trump Administration, CMS has generally supported states’ attempts to introduce community engagement programs (e.g. work requirements) within Medicaid. However, CMS has begun to show where they draw the line regarding states’ attempts to limit Medicaid after a recent decision to deny Kansas’ plan to impose lifetime Medicaid limits and Administrator Verma’s remarks regarding a “subsidy cliff” for low-income parents in non-expansion states. Click to read more.

Rural DME Pricing Relief In 2nd Half Of 2018

Jun 4, 2018 | DMEPOS

CMS is providing limited relief to DME providers in rural areas from June 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 through a re-introduction of the 50/50 blended rate between the historic fee schedule and competitive bidding rates. Click to read more.

Report Highlights Medicaid Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Implementation

May 31, 2018 | Medicaid

On May 1, The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) released a report on Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) in Medicaid-funded home and community based services (HCBS) systems. The report highlights key considerations and policy decisions that states should consider while implementing EVV systems mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act. Click to read more.

CMS Issues Medicaid Pediatric Dental Guidance

May 30, 2018 | Dental, Medicaid

On May 4, CMS issued an Informational Bulletin to states reminding them of their obligation to ensure that dental payment policies are aligned with periodicity schedules and that such schedules represent a “floor” rather than “ceiling” for coverage. Click to read more.