The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released additional guidance on the Medicaid cost-sharing provisions under Section 1916A of the Social Security Act and announced the availability of new funds for the establishment of alternative nonemergency service providers. Certain provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act amended the Social Security Act to provide states with new flexibilities in cost-sharing and opportunities to work with the federal government to implement reforms to slow spending growth while maintaining needed coverage.
The State Medicaid Director letter announcing the guidance highlights technical changes and clarifications to the provisions under Section 1916A; provides specific guidance on cost-sharing related to nonemergency care use of the emergency room; and announces the availability of $50 million in grants funds over a four-year period for the establishment of alternate nonemergency service providers and describes the state application process.
Grant information may be accessed directly under Funding Opportunity No. HHS-2008-CMS-ANESP-0005.
