The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services continue to implement enforcement measures of fraud within Medicaid programs across the country. A late January Trump Administration review of 14 states' (including Massachusetts) federal funding, and targeted efforts in California and Minnesota, has sent alarm bells across the industry with what will come next. 

 

This week, the National Alliance for Care at Home issued 13 recommendations to CMS on how to stregthen Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program integrity. 

 

The recommendations focused on convening workgroups, increasing funding for licensure and survey staff, requirements for licensure, etc.. The industry's message must be clear and consistent, that we are partners in program integrity efforts, but it must be done in a way that does not strain reputable and compliant providers. As outgoing National Alliance CEO Steven Landers said, 'We are concerned that some of the actions right now around the country have caused damage to legitimate providers and are further weakening an already overtaxed and under-resourced service system.