Low-Income Health Access Open Door Forum

**Updated September 10, 2012 - The next Low Income Health Access Open Door Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 2:00pm – 3:30pm, ET. If you wish to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935; Conference ID: 76244792. Please see the full participation announcement in the Downloads section below. Thank you for your continued interest in the CMS Open Door Forums.

**Updated March 6, 20121- The proposed agenda for the next Low Income Health Access Open Door Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 2:00pm-3:30pmET is as follows: Strong Start Initiative; CMS and HRSA Text4Baby activities; HRSA Healthy Weight Collaborative. This agenda is subject to Change. If you wish to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 27277720. Please see the full participation announcement in the Downloads section below. Thank you for your continued interest in the CMS Open Door Forums.

********
Low Income Health Access ODF Overview

The Low Income Health Access ODF addresses the concerns of the beneficiary advocates, providers, and information intermediaries throughout the country interested in improving access to Medicare and Medicaid for lower income Americans. Generally, CMS addresses are new guidance or initiatives in programs for people with low-incomes, such as the Medicaid and SCHIP programs.  Also, CMS provides information on the  Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit, as well as the low-income subsidy.  Services settings such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and 340(b) Hospitals and other providers are also often discussed. CMS co-hosts this forum with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). Timely announcements and clarifications regarding important rulemaking, agency program initiatives, and other related areas impacting the lower income beneficiaries are also included in the Forums.