As the 117th Congress begins its work, MACPAC sent a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate Finance and House Energy and Commerce Committees, noting concerns requiring congressional consideration and forthcoming Commission recommendations.
The Commission expressed concern about what will happen when the public health emergency (PHE) ends, as past experience suggests that states will continue to face increased Medicaid enrollment and reduced state revenues. As Congress considers state and local government relief in the weeks ahead, MACPAC asked Congress to look carefully at the adequacy of the enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). In addition, MACPAC wants Congress to ensure that all Medicaid beneficiaries are able to get coverage for vaccines prior to the end of the PHE.
MACPAC also noted that housing instability has detrimental health effects and cautioned that the federal moratorium on evictions, which has been extended through the end of March, will require continued attention.
In addition, MACPAC remains concerned about distribution of provider relief funds made available under the CARES Act to providers serving a disproportionate share of Medicaid and other low-income patients. The Commission urged Congress to obtain a full accounting of these funds to better target remaining funds and determine if additional relief is needed.
The Commission also outlined several recommendations it will make to Congress in its March report, which include a requirement that states expand Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to a full year with 100 percent federal match, and an automatic countercyclical financing adjustment to ensure that additional federal funds flow to Medicaid during economic downturns.