Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act

This legislation aims to streamline the enrollment process for certain out-of-state healthcare providers within state Medicaid programs. Its core purpose is to improve access to care for qualifying individuals, specifically those under 21 years of age who are enrolled in a state's Medicaid plan. The bill requires states to adopt a simplified process for "eligible out-of-State providers" to enroll. These providers must be located in another state, have been deemed a limited risk of fraud, waste, and abuse by federal or their home state's Medicaid authorities, and be currently enrolled in Medicare or their home state's Medicaid program. They must also not have been previously excluded or terminated from any federal health care program or state plan. Through this streamlined approach, states are limited to imposing only essential screening and enrollment requirements. Once enrolled, these providers will maintain their participation for a five-year period , unless terminated. These provisions are scheduled to become effective three years after the bill's enactment.