State seeks public comment on Medicaid nursing home screening changes

The Alaska Department of Health is accepting public comments through May 20 on proposed changes to how the state screens people entering nursing facilities under Medicaid.

The department plans to update its Medicaid state plan to remove references to two specific assessment tools and allow flexibility to adopt new screening methods. The changes would affect the Preadmission Screening and Annual Resident Review process, which determines whether people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities need nursing facility care.

The amendments would update language describing who qualifies for categorical determinations under the screening process. The department said the changes would remove outdated and offensive language and make the determination process easier to understand.

State officials said the changes would not increase costs or affect how Alaska Medicaid provides services to children and youth.

People can submit written comments by email to [email protected] with "SDS SPA" in the subject line. Comments must include the sender's full name and email address.

People who need special accommodations to participate should contact Eva Venema at 907-418-4177 or [email protected] by May 5.

Written comments can also be mailed to DOH Commissioner's Office, c/o Eva Venema, 3601 C Street, Suite 902, Anchorage, AK 99503.

The department plans to submit the state plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval with a July 1, 2026 effective date.