Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CMS Loosens Medicaid Managed Care Requirements
CMS on Monday wrapped up its long-awaited changes to how states can run their Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program plans. The final rule gives states more flexibility to set rates for their managed-care plans and ensure plans have adequate provider networks. The Trump administration hopes the changes will encourage private health plans within Medicaid and CHIP, slash regulations and cut federal exposure to healthcare costs. (Brady, 11/9)
The new rule loosens requirements imposed in 2016 on private Medicaid managed care plans that run the low-income health benefits at a monthly per-person cost to the state. Comprehensive managed care covers 70% of Medicaid enrollees, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. And nearly half of the program’s spending—$300 billion in 2019—goes to the managed care plans. (Brown, 11/9)
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a statement Friday, saying a new website has been launched where people can learn more about Medicaid Managed Care, which is scheduled to launch in 2021. The enrollment website provides information about who will have to choose a health plan, who will stay in the traditional Medicaid program (NC Medicaid Direct) and who can choose between the two. (11/6)
