The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a series of updates aimed at enhancing patient rights, improving coverage transitions, and addressing health disparities in the United States. These initiatives reflect CMS’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Americans, particularly those from underserved communities.
A significant development is the release of an updated Health Equity Disparities Impact Statement. This tool is designed to help healthcare stakeholders identify and address health disparities, with a focus on underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. This update aligns with CMS’s broader efforts to promote equity and inclusivity within the healthcare system.
CMS has also announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model. This voluntary initiative seeks to enhance access to transformative treatments for Medicaid beneficiaries with rare and severe diseases, potentially benefiting vulnerable populations who may have historically faced barriers to cutting-edge therapies.
Additionally, CMS has issued guidance to promote Medicaid continuity for individuals receiving home- and community-based services. This move aims to ensure ongoing access to essential Medicaid services, reflecting CMS’s dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals in maintaining their coverage and care.
These initiatives, along with updates to patient rights information and coverage transitions, demonstrate CMS’s holistic approach to advancing the health and well-being of all Americans. By addressing disparities and improving access to care, CMS aims to create a more equitable healthcare system that serves the diverse needs of the nation’s population.
See “CMS Announces Key Updates on Patient Rights, Coverage, and Health Equity Initiatives” (August 24, 2024)
