Without hint of impending approval from CMS, Utahans likely won’t be able to enroll in Medicaid Jan. 1

Even if it is approved by the federal government, residents of Utah who are eligible for the state’s small-scale expansion plan will likely be unable to enroll in the program on Jan. 1, the estimated start date, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

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Utah’s Medicaid expansion plan recently underwent federal public comment. It targets childless adults who are chronically homeless, interact with the justice system or in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment. It also expands coverage of low-income parents who were not previously covered by Medicaid. Overall, the plan is projected to cover 9,000 to 11,000 people, according to the report.

The state was hoping to get an “early nod” from CMS, indicating that the expansion plan was “on a good path” by September, Nate Checketts, Utah Department of Health deputy director, told The Salt Lake Tribune. Early indication that the plan would be approved would allow the state government to start changing its eligibility system in preparation for enrollment.

However, Utah did not receive a nod from CMS.

“Jan. 1 would be a really hard thing to hit right now,” said Mr. Checketts, according to the report.

More articles on payer issues:
Saint Mary’s, Health Plan of Nevada tussle over Medicaid payments
Individual health premiums to rise 30% in Utah
CareSource extends West Virginia footprint

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