News

On June 18, 2013, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to states that are interested in using an alternative application for Medicaid and state health insurance.  On April 30, 2013, CMS published the streamlined application that consumers can use to apply for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or to apply for insurance through the state Health Insurance Exchanges.  States also have the option to create an alternative application that reflects state policies related to health insurance.  Options to states include:

• Customizing applications to include state Medicaid agency contact information
• Adding questions to determine eligibility for other state benefits (e.g., SNAPS)
• Reducing or adding questions that would be specific to a state's Medicaid state plan

Changes to the application require prior approval from CMS.  The guidance includes information on how to submit proposed applications and how states can request technical assistance in developing alternative applications.

Read the full CMS Guidance.

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