Announcement/Press release

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that 64 prescription drugs will have lower Medicare Part B coinsurance rates from July 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024. This is thanks to the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program that lowers the cost of certain prescription drugs under Part B that have increased in price faster than the rise of inflation. Drug companies are required to pay rebates to Medicare through this program. CMS will begin invoicing no later than Fall 2025.

On May 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a further extension of unwinding-related section 1902(e)(14)(A) waivers. In the December 18, 2023, informational bulletin on maintaining children’s coverage, CMS announced that these waivers would be extended to December 31, 2024. To continue supporting states’ efforts to establish and update income and eligibility determination systems that maximize states’ ability to ensure that eligible individuals retain coverage, CMS is further extending these unwinding-related section 1902(e)(14)(A) waivers through June 30, 2025. This CIB also provides information about how certain other temporary, COVID-19-related flexibilities can be extended through June 30, 2025.

On May 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Informational Bulletin encouraging states to leverage available opportunities in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for eligible individuals experiencing homelessness. Topics covered include: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration ; Section 1115 Demonstrations for Improving Community Reentry Following Incarceration ; Addressing Health-Related Social Needs ; Section 1115 Demonstrations Focusing on Improving Treatment for Substance Use ; Additional Resources

President Biden designates April 2nd, 2024, as World Autism Acceptance Day. The administration recognizes the importance of disability rights in policy discussions with other nations. This brief highlights the contributions of all neurodiverse people, and the disparities Autistic people face when securing employment and healthcare. The administration recommends investing time and effort into learning about autism to build more welcoming and inclusive communities to support people with autism.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is finalizing policies that strengthen enrollee protections to ensure Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans meet the needs of people with Medicare. The final rule builds on existing CMS policies to promote competition, increase access to care, and protect individuals from inappropriate marketing and prior authorization. CMS is taking bold steps to address predatory marketing strategies to help individuals find the plan that best suits their needs.

On March 28, the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a “scam alert” regarding criminals who are impersonating SSA OIG agents and requesting that their targets meet them in person to hand off cash. SSA OIG reports that this recent method of handing cash directly to a phony agent is a dangerous twist on a known scam tactic that pressures individuals to pay in a specific way by using cash or gift cards. SSA OIG and official government agencies do not conduct business in this manner. SSA OIG reminds individuals that if they think they have been scammed to notify financial institutions to safeguard their accounts and file a police report...

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health recognizes National Minority Health Month during the month of April. CMS OMH raises awareness about health disparities that disproportionately impact people from historically marginalized communities. CMS is committed to identifying where health care disparities exist and works to improve health equity across their programs and policies. CMS focuses on incorporating the perspective of lived experiences and integrating safety net providers and community-based organizations into their programs to eradicate differences in health outcomes experienced by people who are disadvantaged or underserved. This article includes a list of resources to be shared to spread awareness.

The CMS National Training Program provides save the dates for their Medicare Program basics webinars. These webinars help those who assist people with Medicare make informed decisions about their 2024 health care coverage. The webinars will include different topics each day. Participants can attend one or both days, and space is limited. The webinars will be held on Tuesday, April 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. E.T and Wednesday, April 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. E.T.

Starting on Thursday, March 28, CMS is extending a temporary special enrollment period (SEP) to help people who are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP transition to Marketplace coverage in states using HealthCare.gov. The end date of this “Unwinding SEP” will be extended from Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to Saturday, November 30, 2024. This will help more people leaving Medicaid or CHIP secure affordable, comprehensive coverage through the start of the next open enrollment period. This extension will be crucial to ensuring people remain covered, including in states that have given people additional time to renew their coverage, as CMS has recommended, to help eligible people stay enrolled.

The White House released a proclamation highlighting the commitment and value of care workers, and recognized this month, April 2024, as Care Workers Recognition Month. It summarizes the efforts taken by the Biden Administration to support care workers in the United States. President Biden mentions the current actions being taken by agencies to achieve proper pay for home care workers by ensuring they receive larger Medicaid payments and promoting programs that support careers in the field. This proclamation expresses the administration’s appreciation of care workers and their dedication.