Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is posting an update to its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Medicaid.gov website to aid state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies in their response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. CMS is taking this action to continue its efforts to protect the health and safety of providers and patients, including those who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP.
These FAQs cover a range of topics and issues that reflect questions and concerns raised by state Medicaid and CHIP agencies. The document includes answers to questions related to the flexibilities CMS is affording to states in managed care, benefits, financing, 1115 demonstrations, and leveraging “1135” waivers offered as part of the President’s declaration of a national emergency. As questions and issues continue to come into CMS, FAQs will continue to be issued to provide clear communication with states. States may submit questions to CMS through their state leads.