CMS Releases Final Rule on State Medicaid Benchmark Plans

OPEN MINDS Weekly News Wire Strategic Health Care News On December 3, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final regulation for states seeking to redesign their Medicaid plans. States will be able to modify their Medicaid benefits packages to resemble the benefits of benchmark private health insurance plans. However, enrollment in a benchmark plan is optional for exempt individuals, who will be permitted to opt out at any time. Previously, the states had to seek waivers to modify or update their Medicaid plans. The new regulation becomes effective February 2, 2009. Benchmark plans are models . . .