Access to Coverage and Care in Medicaid and CHIP (Comments due 4/18)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are seeking input from stakeholders to inform the development of a comprehensive access strategy for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Your input will help CMS address barriers to enrollment and access to care. It also will help CMS ensure timely access to critical services, such as behavioral health care and home and community-based services. CMS is interested in hearing from a wide range of stakeholders, including people using Medicaid services. Comments can be submitted online until April 18.

CMS seeks information on five key objectives: 

• Medicaid and CHIP reaches people who are eligible and who can benefit from such coverage
• Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries experience consistent coverage.
• Whether care is delivered through fee-for-service or managed care, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries have access to timely, high-quality, and appropriate care in all payment systems, and this care will be aligned with the beneficiary’s needs as a whole person. 
• CMS has data available to measure, monitor, and support improvement efforts related to access to services (i.e., potential access; realized access; and beneficiary experience with care across states, delivery systems, and populations). 
• Payment rates in Medicaid and CHIP are sufficient to enlist and retain enough providers so that services are accessible.

NOTE: Commenters are encouraged to preview CMS’ questions related to each objective before submitting feedback as you can simply fill in the form and provides comments for questions most applicable to you.