CMS Releases Updated Health Equity Fact Sheet Outlining Goals and Actions

On May 24, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated Health Equity Fact Sheet on its Health Equity page and Strategic Plan page/strategic pillars page. CMS programs provide health coverage to nearly one in two Americans and are critical to helping to ensure that individuals and families have access to quality health care. A significant aspect of CMS’ health equity strategy involves addressing health-related social needs among Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. CMS has approved Section 1115 demonstrations and issued guidance on leveraging “in lieu of services” (ILOS) flexibilities to provide innovative options for reducing health disparities and addressing unmet health-related social needs in managed care settings as well as additional flexibilities regarding one-term services in Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration projects.

Furthermore, CMS is fostering partnerships and providing flexibilities to help states develop or expand innovative housing-related supports for Medicaid enrollees with disabilities and older adults. The agency has also issued guidance on resources to address transportation barriers.

The CMS health equity strategy builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government, as described in President Biden’s Executive Orders 13985 and 14091. The Health Equity fact sheet outlines CMS’ Health Equity goals and how CMS’ health equity actions align with its six strategic pillars.