Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Nebraska's Medicaid Waiver With Work Requirements Approved By CMS
Modern Healthcare: CMS To Streamline And Automate Emergency Waiver Requests
CMS is developing a streamlined, automated process to standardize emergency waiver requests based on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a proposed information collection on Tuesday. The agency said the new system would be based mainly on the volume of requests to ensure facilities receive a quick response. CMS will collect relevant information from healthcare providers and suppliers to decide whether to approve their waiver request. The new waiver request form was approved on an emergency basis Oct. 15. (Brady, 10/20)
Modern Healthcare: CMS Approves Nebraska's Medicaid Expansion Waiver
CMS will allow Nebraska to offer extra benefits to newly eligible Medicaid beneficiaries under the state's program expansion if they agree to follow work and wellness requirements, the agency said Tuesday. The "prime" tier will allow expansion enrollees to receive the same Medicaid benefits as Nebraska's traditional Medicaid population if they fulfill community engagement, personal responsibility and wellness activities. The "basic" package would cover basic health services and prescription drugs but drop coverage for dental, vision and over-the-counter drugs. (Brady, 10/20)
