In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved two Medicaid Section 1115 Re-Entry Demonstration Waivers, including California’s waiver, approved in January 2023, and Washington’s approved in June 2023. These waivers aim to provide access to key healthcare services to those transitioning out of the justice system. Following the approval of California’s waiver, CMS published a State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) to provide guidance to states wishing to similarly offer Medicaid reimbursable re-entry services under a Demonstration Waiver. CMS subsequently approved Medicaid Section 1115 Re-Entry Demonstration Waivers submitted by Massachusetts and Montana in the spring of 2024. 

This toolkit provides best practices both from the states that have had their Re-Entry Demonstration Waivers approved by CMS and the SMDL. To read the full document, click below.