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To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on authorities available to States under the State Medicaid programs under title XIX of the Social Security Act to extend waivers granted during the COVID-19 emergency period beyond such period.

12/30/2022, 8:18 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5998

Bill 117 hr 5998, also known as the "Medicaid Flexibility Act," aims to address the issue of extending waivers granted to States under the State Medicaid programs during the COVID-19 emergency period. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on the authorities available to States under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to extend these waivers beyond the designated emergency period.

The purpose of this legislation is to provide States with the flexibility to continue utilizing the waivers granted during the COVID-19 emergency in order to better serve their Medicaid populations. By extending these waivers, States can maintain important healthcare services and programs that were implemented during the pandemic, ensuring that individuals continue to have access to necessary medical care.

The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that States have the necessary tools and resources to effectively manage their Medicaid programs, especially in times of crisis. By extending these waivers, States can continue to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of their Medicaid populations, ultimately improving the overall quality of care provided. Overall, the Medicaid Flexibility Act seeks to support States in their efforts to maintain and enhance their Medicaid programs, ultimately benefiting the millions of individuals who rely on these services for their healthcare needs.

Congressional Summary of HR 5998

This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance on whether and how state Medicaid programs may extend certain flexibilities after the end of the public health emergency relating to COVID-19.

Current Status of Bill HR 5998

Bill HR 5998 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 17, 2021. Bill HR 5998 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on November 17, 2021.  Bill HR 5998's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of November 18, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5998

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5998

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Emergency medical services and trauma care
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Medicaid
- State and local government operations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5998

To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on authorities available to States under the State Medicaid programs under title XIX of the Social Security Act to extend waivers granted during the COVID-19 emergency period beyond such period.
To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on authorities available to States under the State Medicaid programs under title XIX of the Social Security Act to extend waivers granted during the COVID-19 emergency period beyond such period.

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