CMS Proposed Rule for State Flexibility in Benefit Packages

February 22, 2008 The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released two proposed rules that will enable state Medicaid agencies to adjust benefits packages and require increased cost sharing by enrollees. States will be able to offer plan designs similar to benchmark plans. Such plans include the following: Standard Blue Cross/Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan   State employee coverage   Coverage offered by the largest commercial health maintenance organization in the state   Coverage approved by the federal Secretary of Health and Human Services The new benefit flexibility rules are . . .