The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for implementing laws passed by Congress related to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program. To implement these programs, CMS issues various forms of guidance to explain how laws will be implemented and what states and others need to do to comply. In addition to regulations, CMS issues sub-regulatory guidance to address policy issues as well as operational updates and technical clarifications of existing guidance.
Federal Policy Guidance
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Basic Requirements for Conducting Ex Parte Renewals of Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility
Date:
Topics:
- Access to Care
- Children's Health Insurance Program
- Coverage
- Eligibility
- Program Administration
- Renewals
- COVID-19
- Unwinding
Type: Informational Bulletin
Financial Eligibility Verification Requirements and Flexibilities
Date:
Topics:
- Access to Care
- Eligibility
- Program Administration
- Renewals
- Coverage
- Children's Health Insurance Program
- COVID-19
- Unwinding
Type: Informational Bulletin
State Medicaid Director Letter: Permanent Extension of Mandatory Medicaid State Plan Coverage of MAT/MOUD
Date:
Topics:
- Benefits
- Coverage
- Mental Health
- Program Administration
- Substance Use Disorders
Type: State Medicaid Director Letter
Use of Unwinding-Related Strategies to Support Long-Term Improvements to State Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment Processes
Date:
Topics:
- Eligibility
- Program Administration
- Renewals
- Access to Care
- Coverage
- Children's Health Insurance Program
- COVID-19
- Unwinding
Type: Informational Bulletin
CY 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Final Rule (CMS 1809-FC)
Date:
Topics:
- Tribal Issues
- Benefits
Type:
Final Rule: Medicaid Program; Misclassification of Drugs, Program Administration and Program Integrity Updates Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program
Date:
Topics:
- Benefits
- Prescription Drugs
Type: Regulations
Best Practices for Adhering to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Requirements
Date:
Topics:
- Access to Care
- Benefits
- Children's Health Insurance Program
- Coverage
- Delivery Systems
- Managed Care
- Outreach & Enrollment
- Program Administration
- COVID-19
Type: State Health Official Letter
State Compliance with Medicaid and CHIP Renewal Requirements by December 31, 2026
Date:
Topics:
- Access to Care
- Children's Health Insurance Program
- Compliance
- Outreach & Enrollment
- Program Administration
- Renewals
- COVID-19
- Unwinding
Type: Informational Bulletin
Guidelines for Achieving Compliance with Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Renewal Timeliness Requirements Following the Medicaid and CHIP Unwinding Period
Date:
Topics:
- Access to Care
- Children's Health Insurance Program
- Eligibility
- Outreach & Enrollment
- Program Administration
- Renewals
- COVID-19
- Unwinding
Type: Informational Bulletin
Budget Neutrality for Section 1115(a) Medicaid Demonstration Projects SMDL (SMD 24-003)
Date:
Topics:
- Program Administration
- Section 1115 Demonstrations
- COVID-19
Type: State Medicaid Director Letter