Verma outlines vision for Medicaid, waiver review changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to approve state Medicaid proposals that promote “community engagement activities” for able-bodied, working-age enrollees, CMS Administrator Seema Verma told attendees at the National Association of State Medicaid Directors’ fall conference today. “These are individuals who are physically capable of being actively engaged in their communities, whether it be through working, volunteering, going to school or obtaining job training,” Verma said. “Let me be clear to everyone in this room, we will approve proposals that promote community engagement activities.” Verma also announced changes aimed at easing the Medicaid waiver review process, including fast-track approvals for certain “routine or prior-approved proposals” and approval for up to 10 years for waivers “shown to be successful.” In addition, she said the agency is developing a state scorecard for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program that will focus on achieving positive health outcomes.