WASHINGTON, D.C. – Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), issued this statement following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) release of the “Healthy Adult Opportunity” – a new 1115 demonstration program providing states with new administrative and program design flexibilities within a defined budget.
“One in five Americans depend on the Medicaid program for their health care coverage. It is the largest health care program in the country, serving over 70 million individuals – including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and 2 million veterans. More than two-thirds of those enrolled are served by a private plan through Medicaid Managed Care, and research has shown these plans deliver a high quality of care just like people receive through employer-sponsored or individual coverage.
“Different populations have different, evolving health care needs, and states should be supported to serve those needs. We support offering state policymakers flexibility to design their Medicaid programs to best meet the needs of their citizens. At the same time, funding mechanisms for Medicaid should not undermine Americans’ access to the care they need and deserve.
“We are reviewing the details of the guidance to assess the program’s consistency with our principles for coverage and access to care for people with Medicaid. Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with federal and state policymakers to ensure Medicaid remains effective, affordable and efficient for the tens of millions who rely on it and the hardworking taxpayers who pay for it.”