CMS has identified a number of immediate and longer-term strategies that states can implement to improve application processing timeframes and address application backlogs.
Applicants to federal aid programs face numerous barriers in accessing benefits they are eligible for. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare conducted an extensive qualitative user research study to better understand applicant experience in enrolling in public assistance programs. Based on the results, the study emphasizes the need for simplified, streamlined and less burdensome application processes.
A detailed CMS FAQ document providing federal guidance to state Medicaid and CHIP agencies on policies, procedures, and beneficiary protections following the end of the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
