EHB-Benchmark Plan Modernization Grant for States with a Federally-Facilitated Exchange
ID: 356740Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (HHS-CMS)

Award Range

$0 - $375K

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Affordable Care Act

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356740
Timeline
    Description

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) Benchmark Plan Modernization Grant for states with a Federally-Facilitated Exchange (FFE). This grant aims to assist state governments in improving their EHB-benchmark plans by funding activities such as comprehensive reviews of current plans, public feedback solicitation, and the identification of barriers to care, with a focus on enhancing access to essential health services. The total funding available for this initiative is $10,500,000, with individual awards up to $375,000 for eligible executive branch agencies of states expected to have an FFE as of January 1, 2026. Applications are due by January 15, 2025, and interested parties can reach out to CMS at PMPolicy@cms.hhs.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    PMPolicy@cms.hhs.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    CMS-2U2-25-001_REV1_Final.pdf
    The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) Benchmark Plan Modernization Grant addresses the need for states with a Federally Facilitated Exchange (FFE) to improve their EHB-benchmark plans. The grant, with a total expected funding of $10,500,000, aims to assist states in addressing accessibility issues, medical evidence changes, and healthcare disparities affecting enrollees of Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). Eligible applicants include executive branch agencies of states with an FFE as of 2026, and they can receive up to $375,000 if they establish an advisory board. The key activities funded will involve comprehensive reviews of current EHB-benchmark plans and the identification of barriers to care. States must also ensure that their plans are clear, undertake regional comparisons, and publish their findings. Applications are due by January 15, 2025. The program is designed to foster timely modernization of health coverage in response to evolving clinical standards and public health needs, ultimately enhancing access to essential health services across participating states.
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