| Today, CMS released a State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) that provides guidance to states on a provision of the Sustaining Excellence in Medicaid Act of 2019 that allows them to adopt special financial methodologies for Medicaid applicants and beneficiaries who need home and community-based services (HCBS). The provision permits states to only apply certain income and/or asset disregards to individuals who need home and community-based services. This authority is currently in effect and CMS is available to provide technical assistance to any state wishing to adopt the authority. Learn more here: https://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/Downloads/smd21004.pdf | 