The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today delayed until April 3 the effective date of a final rule giving states more flexibility in defining the benefits covered by their Medicaid programs, as provided under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Issued in December, the rule allows states to amend their Medicaid plans to offer alternative benefit packages called "benchmark plans," which are either approved by the Health and Human Services secretary or equivalent to state or certain federal employee coverage. Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's chief of staff, on Jan. 20 issued a memorandum delaying the rule's effective date by 60 days. CMS will accept comments on the rule through March 4. Last week, CMS similarly delayed until March 27 a final rule allowing states to change premiums and cost-sharing structures for certain Medicaid recipients. It will accept comments on that rule through Feb. 26.