Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), issued this statement following an announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that it is withdrawing the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR).
Medicaid is an essential source of coverage for approximately 1 in 5 Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. Medicaid provides access to high-quality essential care, and it’s notable that a strong majority of Americans have a favorable view of Medicaid and oppose funding cuts to the program.
We support efforts to ensure that Medicaid is effective, sustainable and accountable. Today, we applaud CMS for formally withdrawing the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR), which would have placed large burdens on states and greatly limited their ability to fund programs for low-income families. We are pleased that the Agency instead will move forward with gathering data from states as provided for in Congress’ year-end extenders package.
We look forward to continuing to work with states, the federal government, and CMS to strengthen Medicaid for the millions of Americans who depend on it.
About AHIP
AHIP is the national association whose members provide coverage for health care and related services to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. Through these offerings, we improve and protect the health and financial security of consumers, families, businesses, communities and the nation. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that improve affordability, value, access, and well-being for consumers. Visit www.ahip.org for more information.