A new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) tool compiles existing resources to help states prepare to return to regular Medicaid operations after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, states received an increase in federal funding for their Medicaid programs in exchange for agreeing not to disenroll Medicaid beneficiaries due to changes in eligibility. When the COVID-19 PHE ends, states will have 12 months to complete beneficiaries’ Medicaid eligibility redeterminations.
The Top 10 Fundamental Actions to Prepare for Unwinding and Resources to Support State Efforts urge states to prioritize their unwinding efforts by:
- creating unwinding operational plans;
- coordinating with government partners, including the health insurance marketplace;
- enacting and strengthening automated processes, such as ex parte renewals;
- working with eligibility system vendors to identify, plan, and test changes;
- establishing a renewal redistribution plan;
- coordinating with community partners, health plans, and health care providers;
- updating beneficiary contact information;
- developing communication strategies, including consumer outreach and revised notices;
- assessing workforce capacity and conduct training; and
- implementing a robust monitoring strategy, including timely reporting to CMS.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
