RESOURCES FOR STATE MEDICAID AGENCIES. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide for the designation of appropriate staff and resources that can address State inquiries with respect to the co- ordination of State and Federal policies for specialized MA plans for special needs individuals described in sec- tion 1859(b)(6)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)(B)(ii)), as amended by this section. ‘‘(4) NO REQUIREMENT FOR CONTRACT.—Nothing in the provisions of, or amendments made by, this subsection [amending this section] shall require a State to enter into a contract with a Medicare Advantage organiza- tion with respect to a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in section 1859(b)(6)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)(B)(ii)), as amended by this section.’’ Panel of Clinical Advisors to Determine Conditions Pub. L. 110–275, title I, § 164(e)(2), July 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 2574, provided that: ‘‘The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall convene a panel of clinical advi- sors to determine the conditions that meet the defini- tion of severe and disabling chronic conditions under section 1859(b)(6)(B)(iii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)(B)(iii)), as amended by paragraph (1). The panel shall include the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (or the Director’s designee).’’ No Effect on Medicaid Benefits for Duals Pub. L. 110–275, title I, § 164(h), July 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 2575, provided that: ‘‘Nothing in the provisions of, or amendments made by, this section [amending this sec- tion and sections 1395w–22 and 1395w–27 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1395w–21, 1395w–22, and 1395w–27 of this title] shall affect the benefits available under the Med- icaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act [subchapter XIX of this chapter] for special needs individuals described in section 1859(b)(6)(B)(ii) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)(B)(ii)).’’ Authority To Designate Other Plans as Specialized MA Plans Secretary of Health and Human Services authorized, in promulgating regulations to carry out subsection (b)(6) of this section, to provide, notwithstanding sub- section (b)(6)(A) of this section, for the offering of spe- cialized MA plans for special needs individuals by MA plans that disproportionately serve special needs indi- viduals, see section 231(d) of Pub. L. 108–173, set out as a note under section 1395w–2...
