State Medicaid Director Letter 14-006: Medicaid Payment For Services Provided Without Charge (Free Care)

The guidance was released in State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) 14-006: Medicaid Payment for Services Provided without Charge (Free Care). In the letter, CMS noted that historically, its position on “free care” was that federal Medicaid matching funds were generally not allowable for services available without charge to the beneficiary.  Based on a ruling by its Departmental Appeals Board, CMS is now withdrawing its previous policy. CMS said the goal of the new guidance is to improve access to health care services and improve overall health of communities.  On December 15, 2014, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid . . .