New CMS Templates Available

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published new standardized templates for use along the Medicaid Enterprise System (MES) lifecycle. The templates are intended to “expedite the review process for funding, encourage states to consider alternative MES solutions and reuse opportunities, standardize project status and operational reporting against APD [Advance Planning Document] milestones, and facilitate a unified certification process applicable to all MES modules.”

The templates are part of implementing State Health Official (SHO) letter #25-003, issued on August 6th, 2025, which provides updated guidance on state compliance with regulatory requirements for Medicaid Enterprise System (MES) modules and solutions. States are encouraged to reach out to their State Officer for more information.