CMS issues Medicaid final rule for demonstration projects

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule for procedures states must follow when implementing Medicaid demonstration projects.

The final rule aims to promote transparency and meaningful public input into the Medicaid demonstration process while streamlining the federal-state consideration process as states test new models of care, CMS announced.

The rule stipulates that CMS initiate a public comment period after a state submits a demonstration application and that the state must publish notification of the application in area newspapers and on its Medicaid website.

The rule requires states to publish online public hearing announcements, a description of the objectives of the demonstration and key program features, as well as estimated impact on enrollment and spending.