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SHADAC published a monitoring guide for states implementing H.R.1's Medicaid structural changes, which include mandatory 80-hour monthly work requirements, elimination of continuous eligibility, and reduced federal match rates. The guide focuses on tracking administrative costs as states build new verification systems and comply with restrictions on retroactive coverage and presumptive eligibility. States face significant operational buildout with reduced federal funding, requiring new data infrastructure to verify work activities and manage increased enrollment churn.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing released a communications toolkit for partners to help Medicaid enrollees understand upcoming program changes. The toolkit is part of a new resource hub offering ready-to-use materials for outreach efforts. Governor Jared Polis also signed several healthcare bills into law this week, including SB26-178, which creates sustainable funding for an unspecified program. The document does not provide details on when the Medicaid changes take effect or what they entail.
On May 20, 2026, CMS released a proposed rule implementing statutory limits on state directed payments (SDPs) enacted under H.R.1 (Public Law 119-21). The rule establishes new caps and requirements for SDPs that states use to direct managed care organization payments to providers. The proposed changes would affect how states structure supplemental payments within capitation rates and require new CMS preapproval processes. Public comments are due 60 days from Federal Register publication. The rule directly impacts MCO rate setting, provider payment arrangements, and state contract negotiations for managed care plans participating in SDP arrangements.
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