Source

NAMD

8 stories

National Association of Medicaid Directors Elects New Board Leadership

State Medicaid directors have elected a new board of directors for the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). The organization represents state Medicaid agencies in policy discussions with CMS and serves as the primary vehicle for state-to-state coordination on Medicaid program operations. The new board will guide NAMD's advocacy priorities and engagement with federal policymakers during a period of ongoing program changes. State agencies should monitor NAMD communications for shifts in organizational priorities or focus areas under the new leadership.

NAMD

State Policy·WA·268d ago

Washington State Receives Recognition for Medicaid Reentry Program

Washington State has been recognized for its Medicaid reentry program serving justice-involved individuals. The program represents state-level implementation of policies enabling Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals in the period before release. This recognition highlights Washington's approach to establishing pre-release Medicaid enrollment and services. The program is part of broader state efforts to implement Section 1115 waiver authority or state plan amendments that allow Medicaid coverage for certain services during incarceration, particularly for individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorder needs.

NAMD+1 more

State Policy·GU·268d ago

Guam Receives National Award for Medicaid IT System Modernization

Guam's Medicaid program received a national award for its innovative collaboration to modernize its IT systems and operations. The recognition highlights the territory's approach to upgrading its Medicaid infrastructure. The award comes from the National Association of Medicaid Directors. This modernization effort affects how Guam administers its Medicaid program, including managed care oversight, eligibility systems, and operational processes that impact health plans operating in the territory.

NAMD

Federal Policy·792d ago

State Health Associations Urge Congress to Fully Fund Territory Medicaid and CHIP Programs

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) jointly called on Congress to provide full federal funding for Medicaid and CHIP programs in U.S. territories. Unlike states, territories receive capped federal Medicaid funding rather than open-ended matching funds, creating coverage gaps and program instability. The organizations advocate for parity in federal funding treatment between states and territories. This call comes as territories face recurring funding cliffs that threaten coverage for vulnerable populations.

NAMD

State Policy·803d ago

State Medicaid Directors Report Section 1115 Waiver Approval Delays at CMS

The National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) has raised concerns about delays and challenges in the Section 1115 waiver approval process at CMS. Section 1115 waivers allow states to test innovative approaches in their Medicaid programs, including managed care delivery system reforms, coverage expansions, and payment models. The delays affect states' ability to implement planned program changes and innovations. This matters for Medicaid managed care organizations because Section 1115 waivers frequently authorize new managed care authorities, quality initiatives, value-based payment arrangements, and coverage requirements that MCOs must operationalize.

NAMD

State Policy·819d ago

NAMD Calls for Congressional Action to Improve Section 1115 Waiver Process

The National Association of Medicaid Directors is urging Congress to reform the Section 1115 waiver system to better support state innovation in Medicaid programs. NAMD argues the current waiver process limits states' ability to pursue program improvements aligned with health and wellness goals. The commentary does not specify particular legislative proposals or timelines. For Medicaid managed care organizations, waiver reforms could expand opportunities for state-MCO partnerships on value-based care, social determinants of health interventions, and delivery system innovations.

NAMD

Managed Care·819d ago

NAMD Discusses Medicaid Coverage of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

The National Association of Medicaid Directors addressed Medicaid coverage considerations for new anti-obesity medications in a discussion with VeryWellHealth reporters. The conversation focused on access and policy implications for Medicaid enrollees. As GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound gain FDA approval for weight loss, state Medicaid programs face coverage decisions affecting millions of beneficiaries. Medicaid managed care plans must navigate utilization management, prior authorization requirements, and budget impact as states determine whether and how to cover these high-cost medications.

NAMD

State Policy·819d ago

NAMD Reports State Medicaid Budget Pressures in 2024

The National Association of Medicaid Directors released a discussion on budget challenges facing state Medicaid programs. States are confronting fiscal pressures as Medicaid enrollment stabilizes post-unwinding and healthcare costs rise. The document addresses how budget constraints affect program design, benefits, and provider rates. State Medicaid directors are navigating these fiscal realities while maintaining program coverage and quality requirements.

NAMD