What Administrative Changes Can Be Made to Medicaid?

 From Covering Kids & Families

"There has been much discussion online, in podcasts, on TV, and in the news about what Medicaid looks like under a new Administration. To cut through the noise, here is a brief explainer from KFF on the roles and responsibilities of a presidential administration with regard to Medicaid.

The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws written by Congress. One way this Executive Branch power is exhibited is through Federal agencies. Each presidential administration appoints the director and chooses the goals of the agencies under his authority. What could this mean for Medicaid implementation?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency in charge of Medicaid waivers. A presidential administration can prioritize what types of 1115 and demonstration waivers are approved, rescinded, withdrawn, or rejected. For example, CMS could encourage states to submit waivers that include work requirements, capped financing, and more flexibility on how Medicaid funds are spent.

Regulations relating to Medicaid can be delayed or rolled back, or an administration could choose to issue new regulations. For example, a new Administration could roll back a rule commonly referred to as "continuous enrollment".

An administration has the authority to issue sub-regulatory guidance. For example, an administration could work towards reducing enrollment by encouraging states to conduct eligibility verification in between annual renewal periods."

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