Hi EDs and Policy Committee,

I'm at the AUCD conference (more on that later) but want you all to hear from me first the CMS announced new guidence on Medicaid today.

According to a friend in the room, Seema Verma key theme was " resetting Medicaid state/fed relationship and partnership" and more is to come.

Regarding announcement today:

1) State flexibility is key theme as is the size of Medicaid (has grown too big - a lot of themes around abled bodies vs disabled, vulnerable populations),

2) Community engagement requirements will be encouraged (eg work requirements, etc).

3) Agency focus will be to fast track certain waivers and state plan amendments and reduce administrative burden to welcome Innovative ideas. For the first time will approve some waivers for ten years

4) Going to roll back rules that are burdensome starting with Managed Care and Access Rules.

5) Creating CHIP/Medicaid state by state scorecards.

I will be hearing more later.  But this should be a reminder that change is a foot. It is more important now than ever to build those power maps and relationships with the governors and key leaders in your states.

Thanks everyone!

Erin