MACPAC March Report to Congress; Automation in Prior Authorization Discussion

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission's (MACPAC's) March report to Congress included recommendations to support home- and community-based services (HCBS) workforce, as well as findings on behavioral health in Medicaid, Medicaid for justice-involved youth, and Medicaid for children in foster care.

MACPAC's only recommendation for the HCBS workforce is to require states to report on the hourly wages for workers providing certain services and make the data publicly available.

At MACPAC's March 5-6 meeting, commissioners met to hear public presentations and lead public discussion about key Medicaid issues. These issues included automation in the prior authorization process, Medicaid managed care plan accountability, and provider enrollment and credentialing

In preparation for their upcoming reports to Congress, MACPAC also discussed policy options and drafted recommendations in the aforementioned topics as well as access to appropriate residential treatment services for youth. The commission also discussed children and youth with special health care needs transitioning to adult coverage.

Members of the America's Essential Hospitals Federal Action Network (FAN) can access a full summary of the March meeting discussion. To access this summary and other policy resources, join the FAN at no-cost today.

MACPAC meets six times a year and submits reports to Congress in March and June. MACPAC's next public meeting is April 9.

Contact Director of Policy Rob Nelb, MPH, at [email protected] or 202.585.0127 with questions.