Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma signaled strong support for state flexibility and reduced regulatory burden under the Medicaid program in a Nov. 7 address at the National Association of Medicaid Directors conference, in Arlington, Va.
New CMS policies will streamline the review, approval, and monitoring processes for Section 1115 demonstrations, state plan amendments (SPAs) for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and 1915 waivers for home- and community–based services. These policies:
- allow states to request approval for certain 1115 demonstrations for up to 10 years;
- enable states to pursue “fast track” federal review of demonstration projects;
- reduce reporting requirements for 1115 demonstrations and waivers; and
- streamline the review process for SPAs and 1915 waivers through a review call with CMS officials within 15 days of application.
In particular, Verma stressed the agency’s support of section 1115 demonstrations that engage adults who are newly eligible for Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act expansion. CMS has updated its website with new content on Section 1115 demonstrations.
Administrator Verma also announced that CMS has started creating scorecards that will track and publish state and federal Medicaid and CHIP outcomes. CMS will release more information about this initiative when it is available.
Contact Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
