Shankar Quoted in Modern Healthcare about MFAR Rule

Partner Anil Shankar was quoted in the Modern Healthcare article, “CMS Should Toss Proposed MFAR Rule, Experts Say,” about CMS’ proposed Medical Fiscal Accountability Rule and how its impairing the ability of states and safety-net providers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

States are largely footing the bill for the many costs associated with treating COVID-19 amid a precipitous drop in tax revenues and a steep increase in unemployment and Medicaid enrollment. Last year, CMS proposed a rule that would increase the transparency of states’ supplemental payments to providers and limit how states can finance their Medicaid programs. While health care experts agree that more accountability is needed, many say CMS’ approach gives the agency too much power and the rule could have fallout. The pandemic has only increased those concerns.

MFAR may further complicate the Medicaid program. “It would be throwing additional fuel on what’s already a burning fire,” Shankar said. He suspects the rule will be back burnered due to the pandemic.

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