CMS seeks public input on provider experiences, healthcare equity

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a Request For Information (RFI), asking the public to provide insights into challenges related to healthcare access, provider experiences, the impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities, and ways to advance health equity.

The RFI, Make Your Voice Heard, is part of the CMS initiative to promote better efficiency and equity within their programs. The RFI came in part as a response to Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and aims to help the CMS encourage innovation, reduce burden, and allow for more productivity within the healthcare system.

“Advancing health equity is core work of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. That’s why I am inviting stakeholders to help achieve our goal of an equitable and efficient health system, by working with us as we transform the healthcare experience for the individuals we serve,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a statement. “Health equity is embedded within the DNA of CMS and serves as the lens through which we view all of our work.”

In addition, through the RFI, the CMS seeks information about provider wellness, the challenges they face in meeting the needs of patients, and the impact of CMS polices, as well as documentation and reporting requirements. With the information gathered from the RFI, the CMS plans to identify areas in need of improvement as well as the programs that are currently benefitting providers.

All interested stakeholders are encouraged to comment including patients, providers, clinicians, and healthcare professional associations. Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 4.