Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and States Implement Policy Modifications To Ensure That Medicaid Beneficiaries Continue To Receive Prescriptions

Medicaid is a joint Federal-State program that pays for medical assistance for individuals and families with low incomes. All States currently provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs within their State Medicaid programs. Under section 1135 of the Act, CMS may temporarily waive or modify certain Medicaid requirements to ensure that sufficient health care items and services are available to meet the needs of beneficiaries in times of an emergency. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlights the need for States to efficiently and effectively respond to protect the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries. This audit will provide insights from State officials on action taken by States and DC to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries continue to receive prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will interview State officials from several States and DC to determine actions taken or planned. Our objective is to review actions taken or planned by States and DC to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries continue to receive prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced or Revised	Agency	Title	Component	Report Number(s)	Expected Issue Date (FY)
Completed	Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and States Implement Policy Modifications To Ensure That Medicaid Beneficiaries Continue To Receive Prescriptions	Office of Audit Services	W-00-20-31550	2022