CMS Shut-Down Plans for the Medicare and Medicaid Programs
CMS has released information on Medicare and Medicaid program activities that will continue during the lapse in federal appropriations that began Oct. 2025.
CMS also indicates it will have sufficient funding for Medicaid to fund the first quarter of FY 2026, based on the advance appropriation provided for in...
Recent Developments Point to Increased Attention to PACE Organizations from Regulators in California
PACE organizations in California may soon see an increase in the level of oversight activity from state regulators.
PACE, which stands for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps older adults who require a nursing home level of care remain...
California Proposed Asset Limit for Medicaid Impacts Most Vulnerable Enrollees and Their Providers
Although the California Department of Health Care Services' May 2025 budget summary proposes a limit of no more than $2000 in countable assets for persons in Medi-Cal, the asset limit would apply only to some -- not all -- Medi-Cal enrollees and applicants. The proposed asset limit would apply, according to the...
HHS Signals Roll Back of Public Participation in Developing Federal Regulations
According to a notice made public Feb. 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is reversing a 1971 policy decision whereby HHS voluntarily solicited the public’s views before issuing regulations related to its programs, even if it wasn’t required to. Buckle up — you can expect to see the...
Medi-Cal Requirements for Community Health Workers
In California, the demand for community health workers is growing, and the need for those service is expected to continue to outstrip availability. Since 2022, California has included community health worker services as a Medi-Cal benefit. DHCS in May 2024 updated its policies on employing community health workers serving Medicaid members and...