The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) hosted its fifth meeting of the term Feb. 27–28. Commissioners met to hear public presentations and lead public discussion about key Medicaid issues, including:
- Hospital non–disproportionate share hospital (DSH) supplemental and directed payment targeting
- Automation in the prior authorization process
- Opioid use disorder medication access
- Substance use disorder Section 1115 demonstrations
MACPAC analyzed hospital targeting data for non-DSH supplemental payments, rural hospitals, upper payment limit payment methods, and directed payments. The commission provided summary data of targeting criteria, discussed missing data, and reviewed areas of consideration for future work. Commissioners were supportive of supplemental payments, noting they are key to the financial viability of safety net hospitals.
Commissioners also voted on recommendations for the June report to Congress regarding children and youth with special health care needs. They recommended that states develop strategies for youth to transition into adult care and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should provide guidance and collect data on transitions.
Members of the America’s Essential Hospitals Federal Action Network (FAN) can access a full summary of the discussion. To access this summary and other policy resources, join the FAN today.
MACPAC meets six times a year and submits reports to Congress in March and June. MACPAC’s next public meeting is April 10.
Contact Director of Policy Rob Nelb, MPH, at rnelb@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
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