Carter unveils bill to bolster staffing at state Medicaid agencies

To prevent more Americans from losing their Medicaid coverage, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) has introduced legislation to help reduce staffing shortages at state Medicaid agencies.

“I’ve heard from Georgians who are concerned that their family will lose access to necessary, life-saving care for no reason other than workforce and staffing challenges,” Rep. Carter said. “This bill will equip states with the tools they need to review these applications and give beneficiaries the coverage and peace of mind they need.”

Rep. Carter introduced the Medicaid Staffing Flexibility and Protection Act, H.R. 5165, on Aug. 8 in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it was referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration. 

The bill provides states with flexibility by giving them the option to hire outside contractors to help work through a backlog created by the need to redetermine the eligibility of nearly 95 million Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiaries. The backlog was created during the pandemic when states were required to continuously enroll people into Medicaid, regardless of changes to eligibility, for the duration of the public health emergency, Rep. Carter’s office explained.

“This common-sense solution allows states to meet their obligations to Medicaid and CHIP enrollees,” the congressman said.