CMS releases guidance on Medicaid option to reduce health-related social needs 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday released guidance to clarify how states can use an existing Medicaid managed care option to reduce health disparities and address unmet health-related social needs. Under the 2016 Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program managed care final rule, states and managed care plans can ask CMS for approval to cover alternative services or settings in lieu of a service or setting covered under the state plan. The guidance outlines a policy framework and CMS expectations for such proposals to meet health-related social needs.