Expert Perspectives

Aug 8, 2023 

Using Surveys to Monitor Coverage Transitions During the Unwinding of the Medicaid Continuous Coverage Requirement

As states are operationalizing the unwinding, policymakers, advocates and the media are watching state and federal administrative data closely to quantify the number of successful Medicaid renewals and coverage terminations. However, this data is limited in telling the story of what happens to enrollees after leaving Medicaid. This expert perspective describes how states can use consumer surveys to better understand coverage transitions during the unwinding. The EP highlights survey recommendations, such as survey mode, target population and timing, communications best practices and agency coordination, and includes a list of sample survey questions for states to download.

Aug 4, 2023 

CMS Releases First Batch of State-Reported Unwinding Data

On July 28, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released publicly state-reported data providing a window into how the unwinding of the federal Medicaid continuous coverage requirement is progressing. This expert perspective summarizes the data release, provides a timeline for CMS’ continued release of unwinding data and highlights the importance of context and the imperative for stakeholders to tread carefully when making interpretations about the data.

Jul 21, 2023 

The One Year Anniversary of 988: A Roadmap for States Seeking to Expand Access to Behavioral Health Crisis Services

One year ago, the United States transitioned to a new, three-digit nationwide number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis response services. The new hotline is intended to offer an alternative to calling 911 for a behavioral health crisis. Mobile crisis services are a core element of a comprehensive continuum of care for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis and help to ensure people obtain the right services in the appropriate location. This expert perspective spotlights Washington’s comprehensive approach and provides a roadmap for states seeking to expand access to behavioral health crisis services.