GAO

This report highlights results from a 50-state GAO survey on what challenges states are experiencing related to federal Medicaid regulations. As part of the survey, GAO conducted interviews with state Medicaid officials to identify the areas of greatest concern. This report identifies four program areas that were rated as significant or moderate challenges to effective program administration. GAO also discusses potential federal actions to address these challenges

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released the first in a series of two reports examining issues related to housing for older adults. This first report looks at how federal agencies currently work together to meet the needs of older Americans in federally assisted housing. In this report, GAO recommends including USDA in collaborations and defining outcomes in order to inform stakeholders of results achieved and strategies or areas on which to focus.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined states’ needs assessment processes for provision of long-term services and supports. GAO studied six states that differed in the following ways: assessment tools in use, participation in federal initiatives, HCBS delivery systems, and geographic location. GAO also reviewed federal requirements and documents and interviewed CMS officials and stakeholders.

On February 8th, the Government Accountability Office publicly released a report on Medicaid managed care and Long-term Services and Supports. The report examined MLTSS program goals, payment structures, financial incentives for plans, and federal monitoring programs. The report makes several recommendations for CMS.

On February 13th, the Government Accountability Office publicly released a report on Medicaid personal care services. In the study, GAO examined the data available regarding personal care services and its effectiveness for program monitoring. GAO makes four key recommendations for CMS to improve data regarding personal care services.

This GAO report examines (1) the extent to which Medicaid enrollees have private insurance, and (2) the state and CMS initiatives to improve third-party liability (TPL). Given the findings in the report, GAO recommends that CMS routinely monitor and share information regarding key TPL efforts and challenges, as well as provide guidance on state oversight of TPL efforts conducted by Medicaid managed care plans.

This GAO report examines 1) the extent to which states have Supplemental Security Income/Disability Insurance (SSI/DI) advocacy contracts with private organizations; 2) how SSI/DI advocacy practices compare across selected sites; and 3) the key controls the Social Security Administration has to ensure these organizations follow SSI/DI program rules and regulations. The GAO identified 16 states with some type of SSI/DI advocacy contract in 2014.