Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers health care for more than 160 million Americans. Since 1965, CMS has played a critical role in helping people access care – from routine doctor visits to lifesaving treatments. It’s one of the most far-reaching and impactful institutions in American public life.

This year, CMS and Medicaid are top of  mind for policymakers, advocates, and millions of Americans who rely on the program. Why? Earlier this month, Congress passed H.R. 1. Tucked into H.R. 1 is a smart, practical policy known as ERIC for Medicaid — a better way for government to deliver for everyday Americans while saving taxpayer dollars over time. 

ERIC for Medicaid gives states a secure, efficient way to identify duplicate Medicaid enrollments. According to CMS, about 2.8 million Americans may be enrolled in duplicate coverage – a problem that wastes around $14 billion in taxpayer dollars each year. It’s estimated that the U.S. government could save upwards of $17 billion by eliminating duplicate enrollment. 

By building on the existing Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) – a nonprofit that 24 states and Washington D.C. use to keep their voter rolls accurate – this policy gives states a trusted, modern tool to clean up duplicative enrollments, reduce administrative costs, and improve program integrity. It’s a win for state governments, a win for Medicaid recipients, and a win for taxpayers.

Responsive Gov first proposed this solution to federal lawmakers in April, and we’re proud to see them take it seriously. Good ideas like this don’t need to sit on a shelf – they can become real, impactful policies that improve how government works.

But it’s also important to acknowledge the full picture: While H.R.1 includes ERIC for Medicaid, it also made drastic, devastating cuts to the Medicaid program overall, undermining access to care for millions of people who rely on it. At a time when health care costs remain high and states are struggling to keep people covered, that’s a substantial move in the wrong direction. 

Medicaid is vital. It supports low-income families, children, people with disabilities, and older adults in every state. Rather than weaken it, we should be investing in ways to make it stronger, more efficient, more equitable, and less burdensome for the people who rely on it. We encourage the government to look into additional tangible, sustainable policy solutions to address rising costs, such as ex parte Medicaid renewal, which already saves states like Minnesota $4.5 million annually and eliminates 200 hours of work for Colorado caseworkers. 

As CMS turns 60, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on what it takes to keep programs like Medicaid strong: commonsense, impactful improvements that reduce administrative burdens, maintain health care coverage for those who need it, all while prioritizing government efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars.

Learn more about ERIC for Medicaid here.