“Why the Medicaid block grant is the right strategy for Tennessee | Opinion,” by Shane Reeves, Tennessean

 

Quote:

“Tennessee will be the first state to put a Medicaid block-grant program into effect now that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved the waiver. Block grants are fixed amounts of money that the federal government awards to states, allowing them to provide funding for benefit programs and services. A block grant enables state governments to serve broader purposes with greater flexibility with fewer administrative conditions. In the words of CMS Administrator Seema Verma, this block grant program represents ‘innovation in the Medicaid program’ and includes ‘beneficiary protections’ for members.”

 

LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform:

Here’s a rare opportunity to read arguments in favor of Medicaid block grants instead of the usual ranting against them for specious ideological reasons.