Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2026) – The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) interim final rule establishing work and community engagement requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries:
“The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) supports efforts to strengthen workforce participation and community engagement. Medicaid provides critical coverage for the nation’s most vulnerable adults, most of whom are already working or in school.
‘Work and community engagement are important goals but success of any Medicaid program should be measured by health outcomes,’ said ACHP President and CEO Ceci Connolly. ‘It would be a mistake to claim victory purely based on the number of Americans who lose coverage.’
The interim final rule adds new documentation requirements and narrows exemption criteria for individuals who are medically frail, serving as caregivers or experiencing temporary hardship. As a result, those who need coverage most will face greater difficulty qualifying for exemptions designed to protect them.
ACHP urges the Administration to empower states to use streamlined verification and existing data sources—including managed care encounter data—to support workforce engagement while preserving program integrity and access to care. ACHP stands ready to partner with the Administration and states to support implementation that protects coverage for eligible Americans and promotes healthier communities.”
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About ACHP
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) represents the nation’s best local, nonprofit health plans, providing high-quality coverage to tens of millions of Americans in 40 states and D.C. ACHP is the only national organization advancing a unique partnership model of coverage and care that fosters a truly competitive market.
We believe Americans deserve the best health care in the world. Our members are on the ground in your communities, delivering innovative and competitive coverage. ACHP’s model brings together clinicians and health plans to deliver value for patients, employers and taxpayers.
