Sellers Dorsey Senior Vice President of National Consulting, Gary Jessee, was featured in Healthy Bottom Line podcast to discuss improving access and quality in Medicaid. Throughout the interview, Gary was asked about CMS’ Medicaid Managed Care rule and how it aims to enhance quality and transparency for Medicaid programs nationwide.

“What you’re seeing is a goal by our federal partners to ensure consistency in design and delivery across the country,” Gary says.

CMS wants to build stronger managed care programs since 70% of Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries receive all or at least some of their care through a managed care plan.

With the final rule unveiled in the spring, CMS established some standards for maximum appointment wait times. Additionally, the standards also call for different measures to ensure accountability.

From his perspective, Gary says that CMS is aiming to reduce barriers to care for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. “I would say that it is certainly designed to ensure that states are tightening their processes around ensuring access,” Gary says.