The Tennessee Senate Health and Welfare Committee unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday that would expand long-term care services for qualified elderly TennCare recipients throughout the state. Senate Bill 459—sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson)—would require the Division of TennCare to establish a statewide program for all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE). The bill would … Read more
With Minnesota set to wrap up Medicaid eligibility redeterminations in July, health leaders met last month at the 2023 Minnesota State of Reform Health Policy Conference to discuss the primary challenges and best practices moving forward. Since Minnesota resumed Medicaid eligibility redeterminations last July after the end of the federal public health emergency, 625,968 individuals … Read more
The Colorado Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) announced dates for public meetings to be held for the five drugs it may consider for upper payment limits (UPLs) during its meeting on Friday. PDAB will consider the affordability of Enbrel, Genvoya, Cosentyx, Stelara, and Trikafta, and could consider recommending the drugs for UPLs. PDAB Director Lila … Read more
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) recently requested an amendment to Washington’s Section 1115 Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) waiver that would expand coverage for former foster care youth. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved Washington’s request to extend and amend its Section … Read more
To expand access to community-based mental health and crisis care relating to substance use for Medi-Cal beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved coverage of mobile crisis intervention teams. Through these mobile teams, behavioral healthcare providers will be available 24/7 for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are experiencing crises. Mobile crisis teams will … Read more
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) launched the first phase of transitioning health services for incarcerated individuals from the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) to DHHS by announcing a new sub-agency this month, the Division of Correctional Health Services (DCHS). DHHS reports the transition is expected to conclude by July … Read more
Illinois Deputy Gov. Sol Flores discussed the state’s 1115 Healthcare Transformation Waiver at the 2023 Illinois State of Reform Health Policy Conference. The state applied for an extension of the waiver in May, looking to take advantage of new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services policy flexibilities to address health-related social needs through Medicaid. The … Read more
Maryland’s request to extend its State Innovation Waiver, under section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act, was recently approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for another five years. State Innovation Waivers may abandon certain federal requirements in order to improve the health insurance market. The State Reinsurance Program (SRP) was enacted … Read more
Experts on value-based healthcare outlined the federal government’s proposed rule changes to Medicaid managed care and how they signal improved alignment and quality of care for Medicaid-Medicare dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs) at the 2023 Illinois State of Reform Health Policy Conference earlier this month. “This proposed rule would advance CMS’s efforts … Read more
Helping patients use transparency tools and understand their healthcare expenses could help lower costs throughout the industry, according to experts who discussed the topic at the 2023 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference. Brian McLane, senior director of customer experience and consumer insights at Priority Health Plan, noted that 40% of Americans … Read more