Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments

The Center for Medicare Advocacy submitted comments in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public comment period regarding Tennessee’s section 1115 waiver application. Regrettably the Tennessee waiver proposal seeks to transform the State’s Medicaid program (TennCare) into a block grant. The Center expressed opposition to this proposal, as it would fundamentally alter the Medicaid program, threatening TennCare and the integrity of the Medicaid program nationwide.

• Center’s comments: https://www.medicareadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TennCare-Comments.pdf

The Center also joined colleagues at Justice in Aging, Medicare Rights Center and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) in submitting joint comments calling for CMS to reject the Tennessee proposal.

• Joint comments: https://www.medicareadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TennCare-Amendment-42-Comments-to-HHS-from-JIA-CMA-MRC-NAELA.pdf

Additionally the Center submitted comments in response to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), proposed rule and Notice of Non-enforcement that would allow organizations and contractors receiving federal funding from HHS to discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, and (in certain instances) religion. The Center strongly urged HHS to withdraw the proposed rule and return to enforcing current prohibitions against discrimination by all HHS grantees and in all HHS programs.

• Center’s comments: https://www.medicareadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CMA-comments-HHS-Nondiscrimination-rule.pdf