Think Differently Database Act
Key claim: The Think Differently Database Act requires CMS to establish and promote a website with Medicaid eligibility, contact, long-term services, and HCBS wait-list resources for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
Abstract
(HR670 · 118th Congress) Think Differently Database Act This act requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a website with resources about Medicaid for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. The website must include information about eligibility, points of contact, covered long-term services, and wait lists for certain home- and community-based services. The CMS must promote the website to appropriate individuals, such as by collaborating with the Social Security Administration. Latest action (2025-01-04): Became Public Law No: 118-225.
Why this matters
For people with disabilities and their caregivers, finding accurate Medicaid eligibility rules, LTSS options, and HCBS wait-list status has historically required navigating disparate state websites and advocacy resources. By statutorily requiring CMS to maintain and promote a consolidated federal database, the Act lowers information barriers to programs beneficiaries are already entitled to, even though it does not itself expand coverage or reduce wait-list backlogs.