In a letter responding to a request for information (RFI) on promoting efficiency and equity within Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) programs, MACPAC focused on advancing health equity and the effect of COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities.
In particular, the letter focused on ways to improve the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data, monitoring access to care, and improving the integration of Medicare and Medicaid for people who are dually eligible for both programs. In addition, MACPAC highlighted recent work on how CMS can better promote and support accommodations for people with disabilities, as well as those with language needs, so they can better access services. The letter offered feedback on streamlining enrollment and eligibility processes, with a focus on people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
In the second area, MACPAC addressed the effect of the COVID-19 PHE waivers and flexibilities and noted that there may be opportunities to streamline provider enrollment policies and processes for providers who routinely serve patients from different states. The Commission highlighted the need to examine the effects of telehealth in Medicaid given its increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. MACPAC supports CMS’s efforts to examine the effects of PHE waivers and flexibilities for improving access to care, advancing health equity, and reducing beneficiary and provider burden.