On April 9, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long-awaited final Exchange guidance for the 2019 plan year – the final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019 (NBPP) and the final Letter to Issuers in the Federally-facilitated Exchanges (Letter). Together, the NBPP and Letter set forth changes to rules and operational and technical guidance for health plan regulation, Exchange operations (including plan certification and financial parameters), and premium stabilization programs. Most–but not all–of the changes take effect for the 2019 plan year.

On March 23rd, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would exempt states from requirements to analyze and monitor access to care in the Medicaid program under certain circumstances. The proposal seeks to amend 42 CFR 447.203(b), which sets forth the process for states to document whether Medicaid payments in fee-for-service (FFS) delivery systems are sufficient to ensure appropriate access to services.

On March 27^th, 2018, Public Consulting Group (PCG), as a part of the North Carolina Business Community for Education (NCBCE)’s statewide Students@Work Initiative, hosted a group of 14 middle school students in its Raleigh office for a crash course in the world of public sector consulting. Throughout the day, students met with PCG staff to learn more about how 

Shout out to PCG Cares Boston! On Friday, March 23rd, several Boston staffers volunteered at City Year Boston for the Spring into Service Event. Volunteers made bookmarks and created and assembled MCAS supply goody bags for students in five Boston Public Schools. Groups also put together shelving for a local Boston homeless shelter. Thanks to all Boston folks who participated.