CMS: 12-Month Continuous Medicaid Coverage

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), sent a letter to state health officials reinforcing that states must provide 12 months of continuous coverage for children under the age of 19 on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beginning January 1, 2024.  This action will help to ensure that eligible children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP have uniterrupted coverage over the course of a year, helping children maintain access to the health care services they need to thrive. 

The letter provides background on the importance of continuous coverage in preventing interruptions that impede access to health coverage to support better short- and long-term health outcomes, and describes policies related to implementing continuous coverage for children as required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.  The letter also reminds states that they may request section 1115 demonstration authority under the Social Security Act to extend the continuous coverage period for children beyond 12 months, and to adopt continuous coverage for adults eligible for Medicaid.

Find more information and read the letter to state health officials here.