Engaging Medicaid Members: New Requirements in the Medicaid Access Rule

The final Access Rule published on April 22, 2024 establishes new requirements for states regarding the engagement of people enrolled in Medicaid to inform policy and program design. Under the rule, states will need to create and support a Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) composed solely of current and former Medicaid enrollees, their family members, and paid and unpaid caregivers and a Medicaid Advisory Committee, comprising a diverse array of stakeholders, including members drawn from the BAC. The new requirements provide states with the opportunity to engage community members in a way that builds and maintains trust and strengthens the Medicaid program.