On November 14, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided guidance to states on the Use of Unwinding-Related Strategies to Support Long-Term Improvements to State Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment Processes.

The informational bulletin clarifies opportunities for states to  maintain insurance coverage gains made during the pandemic and contains a lengthy guide for states interested in pursuing permanent flexibilities.

LeadingAge members will feel no immediate effect from the bulletin, though could be called to the table as a stakeholder by states interested in making eligibility and enrollment flexibilities permanent.

Medicaid Unwinding was the process of redetermining eligibility for all enrolled individuals following the pause in renewals during the period of continuous coverage caused by the public health emergency. More on unwinding can be found here. The bulletin is available here a related slide deck is available here.