CMS clarifies partial Medicaid expansion policy

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today said it will continue to only approve enhanced federal matching funds for Medicaid demonstrations that expand coverage up to 138% of the federal poverty level. “CMS has long supported state flexibility to design innovative Medicaid demonstrations that improve outcomes and promote fiscal sustainability,” a CMS spokesperson said. “However, a number of states have asked CMS for permission to cover only a portion of the adult expansion group and still access the enhanced federal funding available through Obamacare. Unfortunately, this would invite continued reliance on a broken and unsustainable Obamacare system. While we have carefully considered these requests, CMS will continue to only approve demonstrations that comply with the current policy.”