The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its June 2026 Report to Congress, offering recommendations on several key areas affecting the programs that serve more than 80 million Americans.

Key Recommendations

The nonpartisan congressional advisory panel focused on community engagement requirements, automation in prior authorization, managed care accountability, residential treatment for youth, transitions for children with special health care needs, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and provider enrollment processes.

MACPAC Chair Verlon Johnson stated that the report provides federal and state policymakers with valuable recommendations and insights to help Medicaid function better for the people it serves while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the program.

Chapter 1 addresses community engagement requirements in Medicaid under the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act. The commission recommends developing a transparent plan to monitor and evaluate these requirements to reduce coverage losses and support efficient state implementation.

Chapter 2 examines automation in Medicaid prior authorization processes, including the use of artificial intelligence. MACPAC recommends strengthening oversight, increasing transparency around managed care plans’ automated tools, and addressing potential risks to beneficiaries.

Chapter 3 focuses on improving accountability for Medicaid managed care plans. The report recommends enhancing the usability of performance data and providing states with better tools to assess and oversee plan compliance.

Chapter 4 addresses access to residential behavioral health treatment for Medicaid-enrolled youth. The commission highlights challenges such as limited real-time information on bed availability and recommends steps to improve appropriate access while ensuring services meet federal requirements.

Chapter 5 targets smoother transitions to adult Medicaid coverage for children and youth with special health care needs. Recommendations aim to reduce gaps during eligibility redeterminations and better coordinate with other programs such as Supplemental Security Income.

Chapter 6 reviews the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). MACPAC calls for better coordination of audits, public availability of performance data, and the development of a standard set of national quality measures.

Chapter 7 covers Medicaid provider enrollment and credentialing. The report outlines federal requirements, state approaches, and barriers that affect provider participation and program integrity.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.