The Biden administration is seeking feedback on ways to improve access and equity in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a request for information Thursday, which the agency said is part of an effort to build a broader strategy to address access challenges in both Medicaid and CHIP.
For example, CMS is looking for input on ways to enroll people in coverage and help them maintain that coverage, or addressing provider reimbursement to improve access to quality clinicians.
“We are committed to providing equitable access to quality health care and removing any barriers to quality health care,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement.
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“We want to hear directly from stakeholders so we can strengthen our programs for the more than 80 million Americans with Medicaid or CHIP health insurance," Becerra said. "Together, by advancing health equity, we can ensure quality health care is within reach for everyone who needs it.”
CMS said the feedback will be used to shape future Medicaid and CHIP policy, monitoring and regulations. This includes alternative payment models and value-based care efforts, according to the announcement.
The agency said that although evidence suggests Medicaid and CHIP largely offer comprehensive coverage for enrollees, there are people who struggle to access needed providers and healthcare services.
“Medicaid and CHIP provide essential health coverage for over 80 million individuals and families,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a statement. “Ensuring every eligible person can access the coverage and care to which they are entitled is a foundational principle of health equity and our work at CMS. We invite interested stakeholders and individuals with lived experience to join us in this mission, starting by responding to the request for information.”