Webinars | Jan 8, 2021

The COVID-19 Relief Package and the “No Surprises Act”: Implications for States

In the waning days of 2020, Congress enacted a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill. Included in the measure is the “No Surprises Act,” which contains new protections for consumers from surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers. State Health & Value Strategies hosted a webinar during which experts from Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms, Manatt Health, and tax expert Jason Levitis reviewed the provisions of this legislation and their implications for states. The webinar reviewed the No Surprises Act and provided an overview of the next steps for implementing the federal balance billing protections and what the law will mean for state-level protections. Additionally, presenters discussed a number of other key health care provisions, including state and locality funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and testing as well as policy changes to the Provider Relief Fund, and the impact of additional unemployment compensation and relief payments on eligibility for financial assistance for health coverage.

For more information, see the SHVS summary on the health care provisions included in the appropriations bill and the SHVS expert perspective, The No Surprises Act: Implications for States. 



Expert Perspectives

January 17, 2025

Release of Updated CMS Guidance on Continuous Eligibility for Medicaid/CHIP Children and Youth

On January 15, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released updated State Health Official letter and Frequently Asked Questions guidance, replacing a previously issued SHO letter and FAQs on the requirement in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 that states provide 12 months of continuous eligibility for children and youth under the age of 19 in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, effective as of January 1, 2024.

January 7, 2025

Release of New E&E Guidance Related to Renewal Forms and Medicaid/Separate CHIP Transitions

Following the November release of guidance to support states’ efforts to verify eligibility and conduct renewals in compliance with federal Medicaid and CHIP requirements, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued on December 20 two additional Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Informational Bulletins (CIBs). This expert perspective summarizes the requirements outlined in the CIBs.