CMS Considering States’ Requests to Eliminate Retroactive Coverage in Medicaid

Arizona and Florida are requesting to eliminate the federal 3-month retroactive coverage protection in their state Medicaid programs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Iowa’s request to waive retroactive coverage last year, and approved requests from Kentucky, Indiana, Arkansas, and New Hampshire earlier this year. Our amicus brief opposing the Kentucky waiver that is the subject of a lawsuit explains why eliminating the retroactive coverage protection is especially harmful to older adults who need long-term services and supports. Information about Arizona’s waiver request, including the link for submitting comments isavailable here. Justice in Aging has prepared sample comments that you can adapt for submission. The deadline for submitting comments on Arizona’s proposal is Tuesday, May 22nd. We urge advocates from Arizona and all other states to tell CMS not to approve this waiver request.