The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) related to Medicaid services. These NPRMs, titled "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services" and "Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality," were published on April 27, 2023.

The primary objective of the NPRMs, as discussed in HCAF's recent Home Care Connection series, is to remove barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from accessing quality health care under Medicaid or CHIP. The proposals advocate for national standards for health care access, irrespective of whether it is delivered through state-fee-for-service (FFS) coverage or managed care plans. Furthermore, the rules seek to establish access standards that promote transparency and accountability and empower beneficiaries to make informed choices.

In relation to home health providers, the proposed rule titled "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services" introduces measures to increase direct care workers' wages. Specifically, it mandates that 80% of all Medicaid payments for homemaker services, home health aide services, and personal care services be allocated directly to compensation rather than administrative costs.

Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services

• Proposed Rule
• Submit Comments

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality

• Proposed Rule
• Submit Comments

To learn more about these NPRMs, read the CMS press release here.

CMS welcomes public comments on the NPRMs until July 3, 2023. While HCAF will submit comments on behalf of the Florida Medicaid provider community, we strongly encourage all stakeholders to participate and share their input.

Free Informational Webinar to Help Stakeholders Submit Comments

Take part in a free webinar on Thursday, June 15 at 12:00 PM ET to learn more about the NPRMs and for assistance in preparing and submitting comments. To register for the webinar, click here. The webinar is being presented by Polsinelli, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), and the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA).

Urgent Medicaid Provider Survey: Deadline June 16, 2023

Through a 12-question survey, NAHC, HCAOA, and the Partnership for Medicaid-Based Home Care (PMHC) are collecting data directly from Medicaid providers regarding the impact of the "80/20 threshold" on providers and patients. The individual responses will remain anonymous, but the collective information will be used in CMS comments and in advocacy efforts. Click here to complete the survey by Friday, June 16, 2023.

Thank you in advance for your participation!