AHIP to address Medicaid final rule, launch Modern Medicaid Alliance at conference
Modern Medicaid Alliance, coalition of 30 organizations including AHIP, will educate policy makers, public on Medicaid's integrated care, services.
The final rule for Medicaid will claim much of the policy talk during the Medicaid portion of next week's America's Health Insurance Plans conference, according to David Merritt of AHIP.
"You'll see a number of policy makers going into details," said Merritt, executive vice president, Public Affairs & Strategic Initiatives. "You'll also see (a lot on) the value of Medicaid managed care, trying to deliver the same results in Medicaid as in Medicare Advantage."
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced in April the first major changes to Medicaid and CHIP regulations in more than a decade.
The final rule will affect Medicaid managed care plans in the 39 states and the District of Columbia that contract with private managed care plans to furnish services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
The rule establishes Medicaid's first quality rating system and clarifies states' authority to enter into contracts that pay plans for quality, or encourage participation in alternative payment models and other delivery system reform efforts.
The provisions of the rule will be implemented in phases over the next three years, starting on July 1, 2017.
Vikki Wachino, CMS deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, will speak on the future of Medicaid at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26.
More than 800 healthcare professionals are expected to attend the Medicaid portion of the conference in Washington, D.C.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat who has been trying to expand Medicaid in the state, will deliver a keynote address on Medicaid policy.
[Also: AHIP urges more flexibility in new value-based Medicare Advantage model]
"Because Medicaid differs one state to the next, we're trying to educate on innovative solutions whether (states have) expanded or not," Merritt said.
The conference launches the Modern Medicaid Alliance, a new coalition of 30 organizations, including AHIP, that have a goal to educate policy makers and the public on the value of Medicaid's integrated care and services, Merritt said.
"Millions of Americans – including children, low-income adults, seniors, and other populations – depend on Medicaid for their health," said Andrew Sperling, director of Legislative Advocacy at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in a released statement. "These individuals have compelling stories about how Medicaid has improved their lives and we are honored to take part in a program that delivers long-lasting benefits to beneficiaries."
Medicare and Medicaid programs now insure more than one-third of Americans, according to AHIP. The integration of care will be a key theme during the conference's sessions on dual eligibles.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
