HHS GUARANTEE FOR NEW MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
March 29, 2013
HHS finalizes rule guaranteeing 100 percent funding for new Medicaid beneficiaries

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced a final rule with a request for comments that provides, effective January 1, 2014, the federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost of certain newly eligible adult Medicaid beneficiaries. These payments will be in effect through 2016, phasing down to a permanent 90 percent matching rate by 2020. The Affordable Care Act authorizes states to expand Medicaid to adult Americans under age 65 with income of up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $15,000 for a single adult in 2012) and provides unprecedented federal funding for these states.

"This is a great deal for states and great news for Americans," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. "Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more Americans will have access to health coverage and the federal government will cover a vast majority of the cost. Treating people who don’t have insurance coverage raises health care costs for hospitals, people with insurance, and state budgets."

Today’s final rule provides important information to states that expand Medicaid. It describes the simple and accurate method states will use to claim the matching rate that is available for Medicaid expenditures of individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of poverty and who are defined as "newly eligible" and are enrolled in the new eligibility group. The system is set up to make eligibility determinations as simple and accurate as possible for state programs.

Under the Affordable Care Act, states that cover the new adult group in Medicaid will have 100 percent of the costs of newly eligible Americans paid for by the federal government in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The federal government’s contribution is then phased-down gradually to 90 percent by 2020, and remains there permanently. For states that had coverage expansions in effect prior to enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the rule also provides information about the availability of an increased FMAP for certain adults who are not newly eligible.

The rule builds on several years of work that HHS has done to support and provide flexibility to states’ Medicaid programs ahead of the 2014 expansion, including:
90 percent matching rate for states to improve eligibility and enrollment systems;
More resources and flexibility for states to test innovative ways of delivering care through Medicaid;
More collaboration with states on audits that track down fraud; and
Specifically outlining ways states can make Medicaid improvements without going through a waiver process.

SECRETARY OF HHS KATHLEEN SEBELIUS ANNOUNCES $12.5 MILLION FOR AGING AND DISABILITY RECOURCE CENTERS

FROM: U.S. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

New resources help older Americans and people with disabilities maintain their independence

Seniors, people with disabilities and their families get assistance from local resource centers
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $12.5 million in awards to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to support older Americans and people with disabilities stay independent and receive long-term services and supports.

These grants, funded by the Affordable Care Act and the Older Americans Act, support counselors who help individuals and their caregivers identify and access long-term services and supports, regardless of income or financial assets.

"Whether someone is in the hospital and ready to be discharged, or living at home but needing additional care, an options counselor can help them evaluate their needs and sift through the options available in their community to create a plan that meets their needs," Secretary Sebelius said.

ADRCs are "one-stop shops" for older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers and families to get the information and services they need as their health and long-term care needs change.

ADRCs offer a single, coordinated system of information and access for people seeking long-term services and supports and help consumers and their families identify options that best suit their needs.

ADRCs also make it easier for state and local governments to manage resources and monitor program quality through coordinated data collection and evaluation efforts.

The ADRCs are made possible through a collaborative effort led by the Administration on Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), both agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Veterans Health Administration, an agency of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a key partner.

Currently, all 50 states and four territories are operating or are in the process of implementing an ADRC.

Two different types of grants are being announced. Part A is for states or territories receiving an initial ADRC grant for an Enhanced ADRC Options Counseling Program. Part B is for states and territories receiving continuation funding.