Project Overview

Objective

To help CMCS quickly develop high-priority policy and operational information and disseminate it to states; to develop technical assistance tools and resources for states; and to provide data and monitoring to support CMCS and state operations.

Project Motivation

CMCS needed a partner experienced in eligibility, systems, and data analytics to provide ongoing help promoting policy initiatives, coverage retention, and seamless coverage transitions at the eventual end of the COVID-19 PHE.

Partners in Progress

  • Manatt Health
  • InnovTech, Inc.
  • LeCor Technology Services

Prepared For

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services

Since 2011, Mathematica has helped CMCS respond to federal and state policy, implementation, and operational needs related to coverage. We have developed collaborative, analytical, and innovative solutions.

Mathematica has created products for states that directly support policy implementation on a variety of topics, such as eligibility and enrollment, justice-involved populations, continuity of coverage for youth formerly in foster care, postpartum coverage, and systems and analysis. Our recent work includes developing resources on (1) preventing inappropriate terminations in Medicaid during and beyond the COVID-19 PHE, (2) creating a disaster preparedness toolkit for state Medicaid and CHIP agencies with state strategies, legislative requirements, and additional state flexibilities, (3) providing step-by-step advice for identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and addressing program integrity risks associated with unwinding PHE provisions, and (4) using data from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System and Medicaid and CHIP Performance Indicators to monitor the health of states’ information technology systems. To support CMCS operations, Mathematica analyzes data on timely topics of interest, including the monthly Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Trend Snapshot. On behalf of CMCS, Mathematica has hosted numerous webinars to share learning across states and to provide technical assistance on the tools and guidance developed. This project has been a valuable forum for identifying states’ needs for developing and clarifying policy and has encouraged peer-to-peer learning between states about promising practices.

Mathematica is also helping CMCS work with states as they prepare to resume pre-pandemic eligibility and enrollment operations when the COVID-19 PHE ends. This work includes coordination support; engaging states and providing technical assistance; developing and implementing a data strategy to monitor the unwinding of PHE coverage provisions; and creating advanced analytic tools to support monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as program operations. Mathematica has also helped CMCS develop new state reporting requirements and created a data visualization dashboard where CMCS can monitor states’ progress with unwinding. As part of this support, Mathematica also manages two help desks to triage and respond to states’ issues and questions.

Related Staff

Amy Wodarek O’Reilly

Amy Wodarek O’Reilly

Principal Managing Consultant; Co-Lead, Health Human-Centered Design Practice

View Bio Page
Sheila Hoag

Sheila Hoag

Director, Business Development

View Bio Page
Jessica Heeringa

Jessica Heeringa

Director, Advisory Services

View Bio Page
Megan Reilly

Megan Reilly

Managing Consultant

View Bio Page
Julia Baller

Julia Baller

Director, Advisory Services

View Bio Page
Lyndsey Cavender

Lyndsey Cavender

Advisory Services Analyst

View Bio Page
Joshua Baker

Joshua Baker

Vice President, State Medicaid and Health Policy

View Bio Page
Jenn Guillen

Jenn Guillen

IT Portfolio Manager

View Bio Page

See Clearly. Act Quickly.

We can help you shine a spotlight through the dark. Get in touch to learn more about how Mathematica could help advance your mission.

Explore Partnership