The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an informational bulletin (CIB) on March 12, 2026, summarizing existing guidance and providing clarifications to states on their obligations in promoting program integrity through oversight of Medicaid managed care contracts.

The bulletin applies to all parts of state Medicaid programs and managed care contracts; clarifications provided in the bulletin do not specifically apply to populations receiving long term services and supports (LTSS).

As program integrity has taken center stage for CMS with special attention to home and community-based services (HCBS), notably absent from the CIB is any reference to utilization management or state oversight in the LTSS ecosystem; this is good news for members.

The full CIB is available here.