Medicaid

The Maryland Department of Health is assessing public interest in including food and nutrition services in Medicaid. This initiative, part of the HealthChoice program, aims for a 2028 rollout and presents significant contracting opportunities for providers of nutritional services.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has enacted comprehensive laws to reduce healthcare and prescription drug prices. The state's nearly $1 billion investment aims to offset federal healthcare funding cuts and improve Virginia's Medicaid program, providing new opportunities for vendors in healthcare services and program management.

Starting January 1, 2026, Alabama Medicaid will cover a range of audiology services for beneficiaries aged 0 to 20, streamlining access and billing processes. This expansion creates new opportunities for audiology providers and reflects the state's commitment to improving pediatric hearing care.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will implement new Medicaid changes effective January 2027. These modifications will introduce work requirements and increased eligibility renewals, presenting significant procurement opportunities for healthcare vendors specializing in compliance and IT systems.

The **Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services** (CMS) has activated emergency resources and regulatory flexibilities for healthcare providers in Guam and the CNMI following Super Typhoon Bavi. These measures will significantly impact healthcare procurement strategies and service delivery, particularly for Medicaid, CHIP agencies, and dialysis care providers.

Virginia's $1 billion investment aims to mitigate the fallout from federal Medicaid and SNAP cuts, particularly those enacted through H.R.1. This budget underscores the potential for significant procurement activities in healthcare, creating new opportunities for vendors in Medicaid service delivery and assistance programs.

Centene Corp. continues to be a leading contractor in managing Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA programs. Procurement professionals should monitor changes in Medicaid eligibility and state contracts that could impact managed care organizations.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $33.998 million settlement with AstraZeneca for allegations of illegal kickbacks that influenced Medicaid drug prescriptions. This case underscores the need for compliance within state healthcare and procurement processes to safeguard taxpayer funds.

Molina Healthcare Inc. focuses on expanding its Medicaid contracts in response to evolving health coverage needs in the U.S. As the managed care landscape changes, procurement professionals should stay alert to emerging opportunities tied to state and federal Medicaid program fluctuations.

State AGs, led by Massachusetts and Washington, are filing lawsuits against new Medicaid work requirements. The implications for Medicaid programs include urgent adjustments in operations and potential coverage risks for vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for immediate coordination among procurement teams.

The U.S. Department of Justice alleges procurement irregularities in New York's $11 billion Medicaid contract. This lawsuit signifies a potential shift towards greater scrutiny within the state's Medicaid programs, particularly in procurement processes and adherence to compliance requirements.

The **Department of Health and Human Services** (HHS) is advancing substantial reforms to Medicaid integrity and healthcare transparency. These changes, coupled with a recent **$6.5 billion** fraud enforcement action, will impact federal procurement processes and contractor compliance.

The Alabama Medicaid Agency mandates that all Primary Care Physician (PCP) groups participating in ACHN submit their Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) attestation by October 1, 2026. Adhering to this deadline is essential for continued participation in the Medicaid program, impacting eligibility and reimbursement criteria.

The Alabama Medicaid Agency plans to renew its Section 1115 Demonstration waiver for critical mental health services. This renewal aims to secure federal funding for inpatient stays in designated facilities, enhancing Medicaid reimbursement structures and service delivery in specific counties.

The Alabama Medicaid Agency has postponed the enforcement of new diagnostic requirements for ABA therapy, originally set for July 1, 2026. This delay affects provider eligibility, impacting how autism diagnoses are managed within the Medicaid system, particularly for pediatricians and certified nurse practitioners.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against New York State officials and Public Partnerships LLC over accusations of misconduct in a $10 billion Medicaid contract. This case highlights the government's increasing scrutiny on Medicaid procurement integrity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency and competitive bidding processes in healthcare contracts.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has awarded new Medicaid Managed Care contracts, covering 2.4 million enrollees. These contracts highlight value-based payments and integrated care models, presenting significant procurement opportunities for vendors and providers in the healthcare sector.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will require budget neutrality certification for Medicaid section 1115 demonstration projects starting January 1, 2027. This new regulation aims to prevent federal spending increases while allowing states to innovate in healthcare delivery. Vendors should prepare for compliance adjustments and funding implications in state Medicaid programs.

During a hearing on June 3, 2026, Ohio Auditor Keith Faber exposed systemic vulnerabilities in Medicaid waiver programs. This testimony indicates a need for increased oversight, which could create procurement opportunities for companies specializing in compliance and fraud prevention associated with Medicaid programs.

The Nevada Health Authority has paused new licenses for hospice and home health services for six months pending federal approval. This action seeks to curtail Medicaid fraud and enhance service verification, while potentially allowing exemptions for providers focused on rural access.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed caps on Medicaid payments to align with Medicare rates, aiming for $775 billion savings. This shift will require states to amend their Medicaid services, impacting contracts and financial structures for providers significantly over the coming years.

Alabama Medicaid's revised eligibility criteria for ABA therapy service recipients will require diagnoses by licensed professionals. A Webex meeting scheduled for June 15, 2026, will equip providers with insights into these updates, indicating a shift in compliance standards and potential impacts on service delivery.

The New Jersey Assembly has passed a pivotal bill to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services from $3.65 to $9.89 per 15 minutes. This increase aims to improve provider retention and ensure consistent care for patients, potentially transforming the landscape of Medicaid service provision in the state.

The termination of a contract by *Inland Empire Health Plan* has resulted in 100 job losses at *Ample Joy ABA Consulting Services*. This event highlights the vulnerabilities within the Medicaid funding landscape and the need for healthcare contractors to adapt to evolving procurement risks.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking public input on the renewal of two significant Medicaid waivers impacting case management and housing services. Stakeholders have until May 31, 2026, to provide feedback, which could influence future procurement opportunities and service delivery models in Oregon.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed the bipartisan Momnibus bills, improving maternal healthcare access for high-risk mothers, including Black mothers. This legislative move translates into substantial procurement opportunities for healthcare contractors and vendors involved in maternal services and Medicaid programs.

Governor Tony Evers has signed 'Gail's Law,' mandating full insurance coverage for supplemental breast cancer screenings for women at increased risk, effective immediately for many plans. Additionally, postpartum Medicaid coverage will be extended to one year, starting July 1, 2026, presenting numerous procurement opportunities in healthcare services and insurance compliance.