CMS Releases Basic Health Plan Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule Sept. 20 outlining the details of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) basic health program. This is an optional coverage program for people who are not eligible for Medicaid, earn no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), and would otherwise be eligible to purchase coverage through the marketplaces (exchanges). States that choose to implement a basic health program will continue to coordinate eligibility with the Medicaid Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the marketplaces. The proposed rule establishes a framework for the following program elements: eligibility, enrollment, benefits, delivery of health care services, transfer of funds to participating states, state administration, and federal oversight. Comments are due to CMS by Nov. 25.