The Medicaid Advisory Board (MAB) is required by Federal statute (Section 1902(a) (22) of the Social Security Act),

 State of Vermont statute Sec. 130a 33 V.S.A. § 1901c. and by the State Plan (Section 1.4), to advise the State of

 Vermont, Agency of Human Services (AHS), Office of Vermont Health Access (OVHA) about health and medical care

 services.

  II.      Purposes or Role

The Medicaid Advisory Board (Board) shall advise the AHS/OVHA on issues relating to Vermont’s public

 health care programs including but not limited to:

A.      Policy development and program administration,

B.      Proposed regulations prior to the commencement of the rulemaking process or, in the case of emergency regulations, immediately after they are filed,

C.      Review and comment upon AHS/OVHA policy initiatives pertaining to health care benefits and beneficiary eligibility,

D.      Comment on proposed rules prior to commencement of the rulemaking process and on waiver or waiver amendment applications prior to submission to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,

E.      Priority setting, including consideration of scope of benefits, beneficiary eligibility, funding outlook, financing options, and possible budget recommendations,

F.      The development of program policies and standards, whenever possible, prior to the adoption of the policies and standards;

G.     Suggested solutions to problem areas within the program;

H.      Legislative initiatives relevant to the program;

I.         Utilization of services by recipients;

J.       Content and dissemination of program materials;

K.      Consumer issues, particularly concerning access to services; and

L.       Provider issues.

The Medicaid Advisory Board shall be given adequate opportunity for meaningful participation in the consideration of

these issues. The Board's advice shall be sought at the earliest opportunity and at such a time and in such a manner

 that best ensures a meaningful opportunity for input by the Board, and meaningful consideration by the AHS/OVHA. 

 When it is not possible to obtain input from the full Board via discussion at a Board meeting, individual Board members

 shall be offered an opportunity to submit written comments, and AHS/OVHA shall inform the full Board of all comments

 received and shall respond in writing to the comments to the full Board.

Consultation with the Medicaid Advisory Board shall happen in matters initiated by the AHS/OVHA, and when possible,

those initiated by the Administration and the State Legislature to the extent that the OVHA Director has knowledge of

them.  The Board may provide recommendations on its own initiative as well.  The advice of the Board is not binding

 upon the AHS/OVHA.

Pursuant to State of Vermont statute Sec. 130a 33 V.S.A. § 1901c., the Medicaid Advisory Board shall make policy

 recommendations on AHS/OVHA proposals to the AHS/OVHA, the Health Access Oversight Committee, and the

standing committees on Health and Welfare.  When the General Assembly is not in session, the OVHA Director shall

 respond in writing to these recommendations, a copy of which shall be provided to each of the Legislative committees.