Dems demand tougher standards for companies running Medicaid systems
Summary
Democratic senators want the federal agency in charge of Medicaid to set stricter rules for companies running key computer systems that help millions of low-income Americans get health benefits. They say problems with these systems, combined with new work requirements, could cause many people to lose coverage by mistake.Key Facts
- Medicaid is a government health program for low-income people and those with disabilities.
- Several companies, including Deloitte and General Dynamics, run the computer systems that determine who gets Medicaid benefits.
- These systems have had errors that sometimes cause eligible people to lose coverage.
- New federal rules require millions of adult Medicaid users to prove they work at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits.
- Democratic Senators Wyden, Warren, and Warnock want the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set stricter standards for these contractors.
- The federal government pays most of the cost for these state computer systems and their maintenance.
- Senators also want CMS to make contract and performance information from these companies public.
- Changes are urgent because Medicaid systems are already complicated and often need repairs to stay functional.
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