CMS Issues Medicaid Guidance to States on Options for Boosting COVID-19 Vaccinations, Testing
- September 03, 2021
States can seek federal matching funds for offering monetary incentives like gift cards to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiaries to encourage them to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu, according to guidance the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued August 27.
CMS said federal funds also are available for state Medicaid programs to set higher reimbursement rates to incentivize providers to furnish vaccines to beneficiaries.
The new guidance also highlights Medicaid and CHIP coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic and screening testing, including in schools.
"Today's guidance reinforces our commitment to providing low-income adults and children with access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and I urge all eligible enrollees to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families," said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.