Deficit Reduction Act Webpage: The DRA provides states with much of the flexibility states have been seeking over the years to make significant reforms to their Medicaid programs.
Tamper Resistant Prescription Pads: CMS released guidance through a State Medicaid Director Letter providing baseline requirements to States to define and implement tamper-resistant prescription pads as required by law. The documents "Medicaid Tamper Resistant Prescription Information for State Policymakers" and "Frequently Asked Questions on Tamper Resistant Prescriptions" provide additional background information. These documents have been recently updated for October 1, 2008 implementation. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for new information on CMS' policy with respect to computer-generated prescriptions. An updated fact sheet for pharmacists is available to assist pharmacists with implementation of the new policy. (Updated July 16, 2008.)
Reasonable Crowd Out Procedures in SCHIP: CMS released a State Medicaid Directors letter that clarifies the application of existing statutory and regulatory requirement in State requests to extend eligibility under the SCHIP program to children in families with effective family income levels above 250 percent of the Federal poverty level (FPL). CMS issued further clarifications in another State Health Officials letter on May 7th.
2009 Call Letter: The 2009 call letter is now available.
2008 Low Income Subsidy Toolkit: This toolkit provides important resources for partners to help beneficiaries learn about and apply for extra help, including general targeting estimates to help assist in on-going outreach activities.