Hello Readers!
Welcome to the March edition of Health Policy News! In this publication, we launch a new series on Section 1332 State Innovation Waivers. Momentum on this opportunity has picked up in recent years, with nearly half of the states having gained approval for their innovative approaches to private health insurance. With many of these waivers having recently been renewed or approaching renewal and several states recently beginning to implement unique approaches, this is a great time to pause to explore outcomes, lessons learned and best practices, as well as to consider the future of these waivers under the new administration. We also explore timely federal health policy developments, including recent guidance that represents the federal administration’s first statements on Medicaid waivers for coverage of Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) and the recent proposed federal funding freeze. While it has been rescinded, it represents an administration policy statement that states should be mindful of.
Checking in on Section 1332 State Innovation Waivers
2025 marks eight years since states began seeking Section 1332 State Innovation Waivers under the ACA. Initially, state activity was limited, but since January 2017, 21 states have applied for and successfully been awarded these waivers. While most states initially used the waivers to support state-based reinsurance programs, recent years have seen more innovative approaches. To read the full summary please click here.
The Impact of the Administrations Executive Funding Freeze
In January, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed a broad pause on funding for essential services, including Medicaid, Head Start, rental assistance, and various health and education initiatives. Although judicial rulings have since blocked these actions and the action was subsequently rescinded, states remain concerned about the potential impacts. To learn more about the key areas affected by a federal funding pause, click here.
HRSN Margo Sharp Article
On March 4, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) retracted specific Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) guidance provided by the previous administration. This article explores the implications of this retraction for states with existing HRSN waivers and those with applications in progress. It also offers insights into how states can navigate these changes and continue to support Medicaid enrollees with broader social determinants of health, such as nutritious food, housing support, employment assistance, and transportation. To read more, click here.
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