Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Return to Search

cib09102025

State directed payments (SDPs) permit states to implement contractual Medicaid managed care arrangements that direct a managed care organization (MCO), prepaid ambulatory health plan (PAHP), or prepaid inpatient health plan (PIHP)’s expenditures under 42 CFR § 438.6(c). The use of SDPs has grown substantially since they were first introduced in 2016; in 2024, CMS received more than 330 SDP preprint submissions from 39 states and territories.

Download the Guidance Document

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: September 10, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.