The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hasproposed two new rules that expand states’ flexibility in designing their ownMedicaid programs. 

One of the rules allows states to offer alternativebenefit packages, also called “benchmark plans.” These plans provideMedicaid beneficiaries with healthcare that has the same value as that beingoffered to other individuals in the state. Approved coverage may allow disabledindividuals to obtain integrated coverage for acute care and community-basedlong-term care. 

The proposed regulations also allow states to revisecurrent premiums and cost sharing structures. The proposed rules wouldimplement provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and the Tax Reliefand Health Care Act of 2006. The rules were to be published in Friday’s FederalRegister. 

See the proposed rule on state flexibility athttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2232P.pdf.

The proposedrule on premiums and cost-sharing is available athttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2244P.pdf.