Medicaid Gives New Protections to Beneficiaries in Managed Care Plans

WASHINGTON—Final regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services guarantee Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in managed care plans the same protections granted to people in private plans under legislation pending in Congress. The regulations take effect Aug. 13, and states and health plans have 1 year to come into full compliance. 

The rules guarantee emergency room care, a second opinion when needed, and a timely right to appeal decisions. However, each state will decide how to implement patient protection and use managed care in its Medicaid plan.