Resources, Toolkit to Raise Awareness About Upcoming Medicaid Eligibility Changes
New federal requirements under H.R. 1 may require some adults enrolled in Medicaid to report work, school, or training activities. While many individuals will be exempt, it is critical that all individuals receive timely and accurate information—particularly those who are required to report qualifying activities.
As a partner in Cook County Health's Medicaid Impact Workgroup, and as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, the Illinois Health and Hospital Association is helping share key resources to assist hospitals in this effort. This week the “Get Medicaid Facts” initiative was launched, which includes a new public website and communications tools in numerous languages designed to help educate the public and support providers in preparing for these changes.
The Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) also launched a communication toolkit to help providers reach individuals enrolled in Medicaid and encourage them to update their contact information to prevent unnecessary loss of coverage. The toolkit provides messaging tools to emphasize to Medicaid customers the importance of keeping up-to-date contact information on file with the state—especially with eligibility changes taking effect in late 2026 and 2027. The toolkit includes a slide deck and flyer available in both English and Spanish. Click here to access the Department’s toolkit webpage.
State Legislative Update
The Illinois House convened this week on Tuesday, April 7 before adjourning yesterday, April 9. This week, the House focused on passing legislation in anticipation of its Friday, April 17 Third Reading deadline and approving floor amendments at the committee level. In total, 133 bills were approved by the House this week. The House and Senate will reconvene on Tuesday, April 14 through Friday, April 17, which is also the Senate’s scheduled 3rd Reading deadline.
Become a New Site for the National Health Service Corps – Apply by May 19
Now through May 19 eligible healthcare facilities can apply to become National Health Service Corps-approved (NHSC) sites. Eligible sites will provide outpatient, comprehensive primary healthcare services to people located in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Once approved, you can use your status as an NHSC site to recruit, hire, and retain clinicians. Click here to attend the NHSC Site Application Point of Contact Webinar on Tuesday, April 14 at noon CT to learn more.
CMS Launches First Wave of HealthTech Ecosystem Tools
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new Medicare App Library and an initial set of patient-facing applications intended to modernize healthcare and support innovative solutions to improve patients’ access to more integrated, personalized care. CMS said tools from more than 50 companies are already accessible or will be available to the public soon as part of a connected digital health ecosystem where patients can access, share, and use their health information through trusted applications. Yesterday, CMS highlighted digital tools that would allow patients to securely access and share information by simply scanning their phone, and receive tailored guidance on nutrition, wellness and chronic disease management. Click here for more information on the Health Technology Ecosystem initiative.
CMS Webinar, Video Detail PAMA Data Reporting Requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a webinar April 16 at 2 p.m. CT for clinical laboratory representatives who may be required to submit data to CMS in the Fee-for-Service Data Collection System Clinical Lab Fee Schedule (CLFS) Module beginning May 1. During this webinar, CMS will provide an overview of this data collection initiative, highlight how clinical laboratories can determine whether they are applicable labs, discuss preparation activities, and briefly demonstrate the CLFS Module. CMS encourages representatives of clinical laboratories to take advantage of this session to learn more about applicable laboratory criteria and the data being collected; user roles and how to register for the CLFS Module; and preparation resources and how to access them.
CMS is planning a Q & A session following the presentation. Due to anticipated high attendance, CMS encourages interested parties to submit their questions in advance to CLFS_Inquiries@cms.hhs.gov with “CLFS Webinar” in the subject line.
