OMB seeks comment on changing poverty measure inflation factor

May 08, 2019 - 03:15 PM
banner-white-house-900x400

The White House Office of Management and Budget yesterday published a notice seeking comment on a potential change in the annual inflation factor that the Census Bureau uses to measure poverty, which would have eligibility implications for a number of federal safety-net programs, including Medicaid and premium and cost-sharing subsidies for health insurance exchange enrollees. Under current law, the Census Bureau uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers to annually inflate the official poverty measure. During the 45-day comment period, the administration seeks input on the strengths and weaknesses of certain alternative inflation measures, such as the Chained CPI for All Urban Consumers and the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The alternatives are generally lower than the current inflation measure, although it varies by measure and year.

Related News Articles

Headline
HHS clarifies when state Medicaid agencies can use patient SUD records to verify exemption from community engagement requirements
The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights released new guidance on statutory and regulatory requirements under 42 CFR Part 2, which…
Headline
CMS launches outcomes-driven quality measurement initiative for states 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 25 announced the launch of a new initiative measuring quality in Medicaid and the Children’s Health…
Headline
AHA recommends changes to CMS’ Medicaid provider tax proposed rule
The AHA commented Sept. 21 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed rule to implement the changes to Medicaid provider tax policies that…
Headline
AHA requests CMS reconsider provisions within Medicaid community engagement rule
The AHA July 31 provided comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on its interim final rule on Medicaid community engagement requirements.…
Headline
CMS issues proposed provider tax rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released a proposed rule that would update Medicaid provider tax policies included in the July 2025…
Headline
AHA comments to CMS on proposed rule covering Medicaid supplemental payments
The AHA provided comments July 21 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on its proposed rule to modify policies governing Medicaid…