The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Washington‘s Section 1115 waiver renewal, the Medicaid Transformation Project 2.0 (MTP 2.0). The waiver aimed to expand coverage and access to care; advance whole-person, primary, and preventive care; and accelerate care delivery and payment innovation. New initiatives include pre-release services for incarcerated individuals, health-related social needs (HRSN) services, and continuous coverage.
Pre-Release Services for Incarcerated Individuals
Washington will deliver a targeted set of Medicaid services to eligible beneficiaries who reside in state prisons, county and city jails, and youth correction facilities up to 90 days prior to release. Services include case management, medication-assisted treatment services, and 30-day supply of all prescription medications. Other benefits that may be provided include medication during incarceration, community health worker services, consultations, and medical equipment and supplies upon release.
HRSN
The state will provide or increase coverage of nutritional services and education, transitional housing services, case management, outreach, and education, among others. The state may spend up to $1.5 billion over the course of the waiver on services and up to $270 million on infrastructure-building activities to support HRSN service capacity.
Continuous Coverage
In addition to current continuous postpartum coverage for individuals 12 months postpartum, the state now will provide coverage for individuals who apply for Medicaid during their postpartum period and who were not eligible for Medicaid before delivery. Children through age 5 also will be eligible for continuous coverage.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
