Alabama Medicaid Ends Regional Care Organization Program

On July 27, 2017, the Alabama Medicaid program announced that the state was abandoning its effort to implement a regional care organization (RCO) managed care program. The state now plans to seek federal approval to make changes to its Medicaid program overall.

The Alabama Medicaid program has ended its pursuit of the risk-based RCO program. Citing concerns about the up-front costs associated with implementing RCOs, the Alabama Medicaid Commissioner announced that Alabama will work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop an unspecified alternative program. In a follow-up statement, Alabama's Governor indicated . . .