Two new proposed rules that would give states greater flexibility in designing their own Medicaid programs, including adjusting their benefit package to more closely align with beneficiary needs and requiring increased cost sharing by enrollees, were announced Feb. 21 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Under the proposed rules, states would have the opportunity to offer beneficiaries health care that has the same value as plans that are being offered to other populations in the state, through alternative benefit packages called “benchmark plans.” Benchmark plans are similar to the flexibility provided to states under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. These options provide states with the opportunity to target benefits to meet the specific needs of individuals. States would also be able to create new benefit packages tailored to different populations.
CMS also released proposed regulations on Deficit Reduction Act provisions that allow states to change current premiums and cost-sharing structures. The proposed rules were published in the Feb. 22 Federal Register.
