HHS announced that it would distribute more than $100 million to states in a new initiative called The Medicaid Innovation Accelerator Program (IAP). The program intends to improve Medicaid programs and lower costs through technical support from the agency.
HHS announced that it would distribute more than $100 million to states in a new initiative called The Medicaid Innovation Accelerator Program (IAP). The program intends to improve Medicaid programs and lower costs through technical support from the agency. CMS said it would allow states to exchange best practices as well as strengthen states’ efforts to accelerate new payment and service delivery reform.
HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell said IAP “will give states the opportunity to even further strengthen their great work,” adding that HHS “will provide strategically targeted resources that states can leverage to enhance the impact of their efforts to transform healthcare.”
CMS stated it would provide states with technical assistance in 4 specific areas:
The agency also noted that it has worked with states in a variety of other reform-focused programs such as the Healthcare Innovation Awards and the Strong Start initiative. These innovations have helped states to improve the quality of care and lower costs. However, innovation can be costly to sustain, and there have been many challenges with implementation. With programs like IAP, CMS can provide important resources and data support that supports state efforts.
“State lessons and recommendations spurred the formation of the IAP,” said a CMS release. “The IAP is designed to offer a new approach to addressing these challenges collaboratively, leveraging best practices in driving innovation in the public and private sectors.”
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