Description

Session Description:

With nationwide momentum to address negative health outcomes, health care costs, and disparities by incorporating health-related social needs (HRSN) services such as housing and nutrition supports into patient care, state interest in utilizing Medicaid section 1115 waivers to pay for and deliver these services has accelerated. Twenty states have some form of HRSN coverage under these waivers, with more submitting proposals. Yet approaches to design and implementation vary widely, such as California’s use of 1115, 1915 and In Lieu of Services authority. This session will present an overview of state use of 1115 waivers to incorporate HRSN services and then compare and contrast approaches by organizations in three states with robust waiver programs: California, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina.

Session Takeaways:

• Develop an understanding of the federal parameters and state trends framing the development and implementation of HRSNs in Medicaid.
  
  
• Demonstrate differing state and organizational approaches to addressing HRSN through 1115 waivers, including best practices and lessons learned that can be applied in states that are developing and implementing policies.
  
  
• Feature diverse perspectives from different states, sectors, and points of view.