Improved Medicaid Care for Sickle Cell Disease Patients through Health Homes.
This Act establishes a demonstration project within Medicaid to significantly improve comprehensive outpatient clinical care for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Starting January 1, 2025, states can create specialized 'health homes' focused on SCD, ensuring better access and quality of treatment. A critical change mandates the provision of dental and vision services to these patients, regardless of whether the state typically offers these benefits to other Medicaid recipients, directly enhancing the scope of care for this vulnerable population.
Key points
New Sickle Cell Disease Health Homes: States can establish specialized Medicaid programs focused solely on comprehensive care for individuals with sickle cell disease, effective January 1, 2025.
Mandatory Dental and Vision Services: Patients enrolled in these SCD-focused health homes must receive dental and vision services, even if the state does not provide them to other Medicaid beneficiaries.
Focus on Quality and Access: The program aims to improve access to care, the quality of treatment, and reduce total healthcare expenditures for affected individuals.
Best Practices Guidance: The Secretary of Health must publish best practices by mid-2025 for designing and implementing these state programs, ensuring effective care models.
Expired
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