On July 11, 2019, CMS released a proposed rule that would remove the regulatory text that sets forth the current required process for states to document whether Medicaid payments in fee-for-service systems are sufficient to enlist enough providers to assure beneficiary access to covered care and services consistent with the Medicaid statute. In the proposed rule, CMS noted that states have raised concerns over the administrative burden associated with the current regulatory requirements. CMS also issued on July 11 an informational bulletin announcing the agency’s strategy to measure and monitor beneficiary access to care across Medicaid. For more information on rural Medicaid issues in general, the Rural Health Research Gateway provides a selection of policy briefs on the topic. Click here for more information.
