Penny Thompson, principal at Penny Thompson Consulting and former deputy director of CMS' Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, was named MACPAC chair.

Your members of Congress are back in their home districts through April 24, giving you an ideal opportunity to make your views known.

MACPAC's March report includes analysis on Medicaid DSH and impacts of the ACA on hospitals, as well as recommendations for the future of CHIP.

MACPAC's recommendation is part of a larger package of suggestions meant to improve coverage for children in low- and moderate-income families.

The notice contains state-specific FMAPs, used to determine the amount of federal matching funds for state Medicaid programs; and enhanced FMAPs, used to calculate federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The FAQ provides clarification on managed care contracts, rating periods, and external quality reviews, among other things.

The rule maintains a prohibition against direct payments by states to providers for services delivered under managed care contracts and explicitly prohibits states from directing plan expenditures.

Regulation provides more robust mental health, substance use care options for those in Medicaid alternative benefit plans, CHIP, and Medicaid managed care.

House Committee on Energy and Commerce approves legislation that would cut provider taxes, repeal enhanced FMAP for prisoners and CHIP, and end ACA Prevention and Public Health Fund.

Conservative Freedom Caucus opposes GOP budget plan; Senate-passed bill would combat opioid abuse; health committees work on mental health, Medicare improvement.

New members include six who will serve three-year terms and one who will serve the remaining two years of a vacant seat; GW health policy expert Sara Rosenbaum was named chair.

Out-of-pocket expenses higher in ACA marketplaces and coverage worse for children, especially those with special needs, HHS reports.

Fourth cycle of grants through the Connecting Kids to Coverage program supports work to link eligible children with Medicaid, CHIP coverage; proposals due Jan. 20, 2016.

Open enrollment for ACA marketplaces will last from Nov. 1, 2015, to Jan. 31, 2016, with coverage taking effect as soon as Jan. 1. Previously announced HHS enrollment goals include improving consumer experience, retaining and adding customers.

Proposed renewals must be for demonstrations that are working effectively and have no major or complex policy changes. Certain waivers that use the enhanced FMAP are ineligible.

The association submitted comments to CMS supporting expansion of coverage parity to Medicaid alternative benefit plans, CHIP, and Medicare MCOs for dual eligibles. Association urged CMS to ensure equity of service across states, actuarially sound payment rates.

Beneficiaries of Medicaid alternative benefit plans, CHIP, and Medicaid managed care organizations would stand to benefit from more robust mental health and substance use care options.

Report includes potential impact if CHIP was to expire, Section 1115 waivers used to expand Medicaid coverage, and other aspects of Medicaid payment policy.

Plus, more than 3.3 million people who submitted marketplace applications are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP.

Congress must past spending legislation before Dec. 11, governors request CHIP funding extension, Cassidy defeats Landrieu.

Congress works to finalize several measures, including an omnibus spending package to extend federal funding. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will review CHIP.

Congress meets this week to extend federal funding through Dec. 11. Other legislative considerations include medical device tax, VA authorities, and the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program. Committees will address CHIP, Ebola, and the ACA.