Let’s talk about the Illinois Waiver Proposal

FIRST What is a Waiver? and Why is it important?

No! Not that kind of Waiver!

No! Not that kind of Waiver!

This news is about aWaiver! BUT… What’s a Waiver?

. A “WAIVER” is: an agreement between the federal government and the state that exempts the state from certain provisions of the federal Medicaid law.

Illinois plans to ask the federal government for a Waiver! BUT, a Waiver of what? Medicaid Waiver

AND Why is that important to Supportive Housing Providers?

A WAIVER of Section 1115 of the Social Security Act concerning Medicaid! BUT, What is Section 1115 of the Social Security Act? What?!? Medicaid Waiver

Section 1115 is for Research and Demonstration Projects States can apply for program flexibility to test new or existing approaches to financing and delivering MEDICAID Medicaid Waiver

Section 1115 of the Social Security Act gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to approve State proposed Experimental projects Pilot projects, or Demonstration projects that promote the objectives of the Medicaid programs Medicaid Waiver

Section 1115 Demonstrations can be approved for years can be renewed, typically for an additional years Demonstrations must be “budget neutral” to the Federal government (less than or equal to what would have been spent in the absence of the waiver) Medicaid Waiver

States may ask to demonstrate and evaluate policy approaches such as: Expanding eligibility to individuals who are not otherwise Medicaid eligible Providing services not typically covered by Medicaid Using innovative service delivery systems that improve care, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Medicaid Waiver

Why is this important to Supportive Housing Providers? BECAUSE Medicaid Waiver

Remember: Illinois recently announced plans to submit a Waiver application in February, Medicaid Waiver

AND…. The State has indicated interested to include: supportive housing services and supportive housing as covered services under this Waiver application!!!! Medicaid Waiver

Lots of Questions? SHPA needs to be actively involved as this Waiver proposal is developed. Opportunity exists! Stay tuned!! Here’s the State’s Plan Medicaid Waiver

Waiver Timeline October 18, Stakeholder kick-off meeting November 5, Concept paper finalized December 13, First draft of waiver proposal Oct. 18-Dec. 13, Stakeholder meetings January 5, Draft waiver posted for comment January 15, Final waiver w/comments posted February 15, Waiver submitted to CMS 9