After Pressure from Rep. Cox, Federal Government Cuts Health Care Red Tape

"My top priority? Helping you cut through Washington's red tape." -Rep. TJ Cox
March 24, 2020
Press Release
Waiver will speed access and care to Central Valley Medi-Cal enrollees

Yesterday, the US Department of Health & Human Services granted the State of California several key waivers under federal Section 1135 through the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. 

This directive occurs after significant pressure from Rep. Cox and colleagues, asking the federal government to provide states, especially California, more flexibility in order to provide the best, most timely care during this emergency. 

Previously, Rep. Cox was a part of a letter calling on CMS to give urgent attention in approving California’s Section 1135 submission quickly.  

The waiver in question includes these provisions: 

 

  • Temporarily suspend Medicaid fee-for-service prior authorization requirements. Section 1135(b)(1)(C) allows for a waiver or modification of pre-approval requirements, including prior authorization processes required under the State Plan for particular benefits. 

 

  • Extend pre-existing authorizations for which a beneficiary has previously received prior authorization 

 

  • Extend state fair hearing requests and appeal timelines 

 

  • Ease requirements for enrollment of providers in MediCal 

 

  • Expand the locations where covered procedures can occur 

“Our chances of getting through this crisis hinge on whether quality health care is available as quickly as possible to everyone in the Central Valley in order to meet the demands of this emergency. We need to give the states regulatory relief so that they can effectively care for their most vulnerable citizens,” said Rep. Cox. 

Issues: 
Coronavirus, Health Action Center