CMS proposes eliminating state Medicaid access monitoring plans

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today proposed rescinding a 2015 rule that required states to develop and submit access monitoring review plans to CMS for some Medicaid services. The requirement applies to primary care, physician specialists, behavioral health, pre- and post-natal obstetrics (including labor and delivery), and home health services. Under the proposed rule, states would no longer have to submit plans at least once every three years. Instead, CMS would issue guidance giving states flexibility to select the types of data they would use to demonstrate the sufficiency of payment rates. The proposed rule will be published in the July 15 Federal Register, with comments accepted for 60 days.