SMD Letter

D epartment of Health & Human Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

7500 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

Center for Medicaid and State Operations

Dear State Medicaid Director:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is releasing the new Integrated Medicare and Medicaid State Plan Preprint for States that want to integrate and coordinate Medicare and Medicaid services for dual eligible beneficiaries. Attached to this letter are the instructions and Preprint template for State use.

The State Plan Preprint for Integrated Care Programs was developed for States to use on a voluntary basis as a tool to demonstrate and explain the key features of their Integrated Care Programs. The Preprint allows States the ability to highlight the arrangements provided between a State and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) that are also providing Medicaid services. The Preprint also provides the opportunity for States to confirm that their integrated care model complies with both federal statutory and regulatory requirements.

It is important for States to understand that the Preprint does not replace the need for States to operate under the appropriate statutory authorities and to be in compliance with both statutory and regulatory requirements. States will still need to follow the usual process for submitting waiver applications and contracts required under federal law to the appropriate CMS Regional and Central Office components.

CMS hopes this Preprint will help facilitate States’ efforts to move toward developing integrated delivery system of care for dual eligibles. The goal of providing the full array of Medicare and Medicaid benefits through a single health plan is to improve the quality of care for dual eligible beneficiaries with better care coordination and fewer administrative burdens.

The CMS contact for the State Plan Preprint for Integrated Care Programs is Ms. Gale Arden, Director, Disabled and Elderly Health Program Group, who may be reached at 410-786-6810.

Sincerely,

Dennis G. Smith

Director

Enclosure

Page 2 – State Medicaid Director

cc:

CMS Regional Administrators

CMS Associate Regional Administrators

for Medicaid and State Operations

Martha Roherty

Director, Health Policy Unit

American Public Human Services Association

Joy Wilson

Director, Health Committee

National Conference of State Legislatures

Matt Salo

Director of Health Legislation

National Governors Association

Jacalyn Bryan Garden

Director of Policy and Programs

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Christie Raniszewski Herrera

Director, Health and Human Services Task Force

American Legislative Exchange Council

Lynne Flynn

Director of Health Policy

Council of State Governments