CMS Seeks Applications for Medicaid Prevention Grants - March 2, 2011

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Feb. 24 announced it is soliciting state applications for grants to fund incentive programs that help prevent chronic disease among Medicaid enrollees. Funding for Medicaid prevention grants, appropriated under the Affordable Care Act, will provide up to $100 million nationwide. According to CMS, applications must address at least one of the following: tobacco cessation, controlling or reducing weight, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and avoiding the onset of diabetes or improving the management of the condition. Applications must be submitted either by the office of the governor or the state Medicaid agency, and only one application per state will be accepted. Letters of intent are due by April 4, and applications are due by May 2. More information on the incentive grants is available online.