Federal Guidance
Date |
Subject |
Brief Explaination |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 16, 2011 | Recent Developments in Medicaid and CHIP Policy | In a February 16 Informational Bulletin, CMCS released a summary of recent activities and guidance to the states related to Medicaid policy, and the continued state efforts to effectively implement CHIPRA and the ACA. Included in the bulletin are references to the recently-released CHIPRA Quality State Health Officials letter providing guidance on reporting processes, including the proposed rule implementing section 2702 of the ACA regarding health care acquired conditions (HCAC). Specifically, the proposed rule addresses the ACA requirement that HHS identify current state practices that prohibit payment for HCAC and incorporate those practices into Medicaid policy regulations, ensuring that beneficiary access to care is not impacted. The Secretary must also define the term “health-care acquired condition” in accordance with Medicare’s inpatient hospital statutory language, and apply Medicare’s provisions regarding the identifiable HAC, excluding any condition identified for non-payment under Medicare that may not be applicable to Medicaid. For more information on the proposed rule, as well as the other developments outlined by CMCS, please visit: (Bulletin not yet on CMS website, in PDF via email) |
| Dec 30, 2010 | CMCS distributed a bulletin to provide updated information about their recent work on issues related to Medicaid and Medicare, as well as CHIPRA and ACA implementation. Specifically, the document highlights the establishment of the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office, the development of the Adult Quality Measures mandated by the ACA, the recently-released guidance to State Medicaid Directors on the prohibition of Medicaid payments to institutions or entities located outside of the U.S., as well as several year-end reports to Congress and changes to the Medicaid and Medicare programs enacted through recently passed legislation. |
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| Dec 10, 2010 | State Demonstrations to Integrate Care for Dual Eligibles | CMS released guidance on one of the newly-established Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s first initiatives, the State Demonstrations to Integrate Care for Dual Eligible Individuals. Through this opportunity, CMS will provide funding for states to support the design of innovative service delivery and payment models for dual eligible individuals. CMS invites states to use emerging and existing vehicles to create person-centered models that align the full range of supports and services and improve the care experience and lives of dual eligibles. Proposals are due on February 1, 2011. |
Nov 10, 2010 |
Opportunities for Collaboration Related to Section Q Implementation |
The bulletin describes the collaborative effort between AoA and CMS to inform stakeholders about opportunities for coordination between State Medicaid Agencies and State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in implementing the revised SNF/NF MDS 3.0 assessment tool. |
Nov 9, 2010 |
CMS released a summary of new and recent activities and guidance to states, including OCIIO’s FOA for competitive funding opportunities for states to design and implement the IT infrastructure needed to operate the new Health Insurance Exchanges, CMS and OCCIO’s joint IT guidance document for Medicaid and the Exchanges, and CMS-published notice of a proposed rule regarding federal support for Medicaid eligibility systems upgrades. Additionally, the bulletin discusses the recent CMS guidance in several areas, including: political subdivisions, the RAC program, and the 5 year renewal period for certain Medicaid waivers. Also highlighted is the final rule on AMP for prescription drugs under Medicaid and the $250 rebate provided to Medicare beneficiaries falling into the donut hole. |
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Nov 5, 2010 |
Supplemental Guidance on the Waiver Process for Mini-Med Plans |
OCIIO issued an Informational Bulletin to further clarify the steps that a group health insurance issuer or a group health plan should follow to apply for a waiver from the ACA’s annual limits on the dollar value of essential health benefits. In part, the Bulletin establishes transparency and disclosure requirements for plans that receive waiver approvals, clarifies that states can apply for a waiver on behalf of health insurance issuers, establishes a process for a state waiver request, and describes factors that are considered in analyzing a waiver application. |
Sep 3, 2010 |
Initial Guidance on the Process for Obtaining Annual Limit Waivers |
OCIIO released an Informational Bulletin describing the process through which health plans having annual limits well below what the ACA requires may apply for a waiver from the restricted annual limits set forth in the interim final regulations. |
Jul 13, 2010 |
New Developments in Medicaid, CHIP and Survey and Certification Policy |
CMCS issued an informational bulletin concerning recent policy developments, including the notice of proposed rulemaking implementing section 6111 of the ACA regarding civil money penalties for nursing homes, as well as section 6506 relating to the collection of overpayments made to Medicaid providers. |
Jul 12, 2010 |
To inform the public about the recent publication of, and request for comment about, a proposed rule implementing the ACA provisions on civil money penalties for nursing homes. |
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Jul 9, 2010 |
This informational bulletin summarizes three recently released letters to State Medicaid Directors and State Health Officials providing guidance regarding implementation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) and the Affordable Care Act. |
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Jul 1, 2010 |
To mark the launch of www.HealthCare.gov, CMCS distributed an informational bulleting describing the information available to consumers via the new portal. |
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Jun 21, 2010 |
CMCS released an informational bulletin describing some of the new developments in Medicaid policy and program operations, as well as preliminary steps the agency is taking to implement the provisions of the ACA that impact state Medicaid and CHIP survey and certification programs. |
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Jun 10, 2010 |
To announce the initial conference call for states considering participating in the nationwide Criminal Background Check program established under the ACA, CMCS released an informational bulletin summarizing the program, and inviting states to dial in for more information on June 17 at 2:00 PM EST. |
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Jun 1, 2010 |
CMCS distributed an informational bulletin to provide advance notice that CMS will issue a solicitation for federal matching grants to all states and territories for the multi-year National Background Check Program for Patient Protection contained in the ACA. |
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May 21, 2010 |
CMCS released a document describing the progress to date that has occurred in regards to building the health insurance portal required under the ACA, and outlining future steps. |