Since the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on March 18, 2020, most people on Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) were guaranteed continuous enrollment in Medicaid as long as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) was still in place. This was because states that were receiving a temporary 6.2 percentage point increase in the Federal Medical … [Read more...] about Medicaid Continuous Enrollment to End as of March 31, 2023
Medicare Expands Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Benefit for People with Kidney Transplants
In the past, people on Medicare due to kidney failure, or end stage renal disease (ESRD) were eligible for 36 months of Medicare coverage after a successful kidney transplant. This coverage was crucial in large part for the payment of the hugely expensive immunosuppressive drugs necessary to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney and keep it functioning well. Yet, unless … [Read more...] about Medicare Expands Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Benefit for People with Kidney Transplants
CHA Supports Rescinding Rule that Undermines Medicaid Continuous Coverage Protections During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
California Health Advocates signed onto to Justice in Aging and National Health Law Program's recent letter that requests the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to fully rescind 42 C.F.R. § 433.400, which was promulgated in the final days of the Trump administration as an Interim Final Rule (IFR). The IFR largely gutted the continuous coverage protections for … [Read more...] about CHA Supports Rescinding Rule that Undermines Medicaid Continuous Coverage Protections During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended Another 90 Days
On October 13, 2022, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra extended the COVID-19 pandemic's status as a public health emergency (PHE) for another 90 days, thereby preserving measures like high payments to hospitals and expanded Medicaid. At the same time, advocates and states are preparing for Medicaid and the public health emergency's unwinding. … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended Another 90 Days
CHA Expresses Concerns on Proposed Changes in “Share of Cost” Terminology
California Health Advocates joined California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) in submitting a letter along with 28 other advocacy organizations throughout the state expressing concerns regarding the Department of Health Care Services' proposed changes to Medi-Cal's "share of cost" terminology. DHCS proposes to change the term to “patient liability,” for individuals in … [Read more...] about CHA Expresses Concerns on Proposed Changes in “Share of Cost” Terminology
