April 9, 2010

Letter to State Medicaid Directors About New Option for Coverage of Individuals under Medicaid

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sent state Medicaid directors this letter; it provides initial guidance on implementing Section 2001 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Medicaid Coverage for the Lowest Income Populations. The legislation established a new eligibility group, and as of April 1, 2010, states could start providing medical assistance to individuals in this group. The law will also provide states with federal Medicaid funds to provide Medicaid benefits to the lowest income adults in their states without regard to disability, parental status, or most other limitations under their state Medicaid plans.