Massachusetts Announces Plans for 1115 Waiver Renewal and Amendments

This week, our In Focus section reviews the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) announcement and call for public comments on a proposal to renew and amend the state’s existing Section 1115 Demonstration waiver. Massachusetts’ current Delivery System Reform Investment Program (DSRIP) waiver is authorized through June 30, 2019, but a key portion of the 1115 demonstration, the Safety Net Care Pool (SNCP), is authorized only through June 30, 2017. Massachusetts proposes to begin the five-year extension of the entire demonstration starting July 1, 2017. The proposed waiver implementation process includes the implementation of Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), a reprocurement of existing Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), and greater integration of physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports (LTSS). Public comments on the waiver renewal will be accepted through July 17, 2016.

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