“As we prepare to remember on Memorial Day those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, it is important to take care of the veterans who made it home. This legislation does that by making it easier for the medical community to serve those who have served us.

“The VA MISSION Act expands the health care network for our veterans by eliminating confusing eligibility rules and opening greater access to telehealth services. These and several other components of the legislation will give veterans greater access to care outside of the VA’s traditional medical network.

“Our hospitals are honored to serve veterans, and we look forward to a continued and invigorated partnership with the VA to ensure America’s heroes receive the care they deserve.”

In a letter sent today to CMS Administrator Seem Verma, the FAH outlines several concerns with policies contained in the Medicaid Access Proposed Rule. Under current Medicaid law, states are required to assure that Medicaid payments are “consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care are sufficient to enlist enough providers so that care and services are available…..” In November 2015, CMS finalized regulations requiring states to use a process to document compliance with the legal standard for demonstrating sufficient payment. The Proposed Rule issued by CMS and which the FAH commented on today, would inappropriately loosen those requirements. Areas highlighted in the letter include: