MFAR Receives Bipartisan Pushback on Capitol Hill

On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

There are strong bipartisan concerns from federal lawmakers about the proposed federal rule that could eliminate up to $50 billion from the Medicaid program annually and have serious implications on aging services providers’ supplemental payments.   

Republican and Democrat lawmakers alike are telling the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR) would have a detrimental effect on eligibility and access to care, as well as create havoc for state budgets. One group of lawmakers called on CMS to withdraw or revise the rule. LeadingAge has also demanded that the regulation be withdrawn.

CMS continues to defend the proposed rule, stating that it is not intended to reduce Medicaid payments but “strengthen accountability and increase transparency to ensure that every Medicaid dollar is claimed and spent in accordance with federal law while supporting the interests of Medicaid recipients.”