In accordance with Federal law, Medicaid-recipients must be allowed to apply their patient liability to pre-Medicaid expenses. Any limitations on this right must be approved by CMS. While working with providers in Mississippi, BLG discovered that the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (“DOM”) was improperly restricting this ability, and demanded corrective action.
Prompted by SHG’s requests, the DOM has submitted a proposed State Plan Amendment to CMS to bring its policy regarding treatment of post-eligibility income for outstanding medical expenses in compliance with the Federal regulations. The proposed State Plan Amendment, available at here, seeks to implement the changes effective January 1, 2019.
If approved, the State Plan Amendment will be a tremendous win for providers and Medicaid-recipients alike, allowing beneficiaries to apply their patient liability toward payment of their uncovered pre-Medicaid medical expenses for a specified period of time. This would help to ease the burden on providers who may have gaps in coverage for residents. For more information, please contact SHG Partner, Erin Saylor, at [email protected].
The State Plan Amendment is currently under review by CMS. Check back with SHG for updates on this news.
