NEWS

Baker Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Announce Five Year, $67.2 Billion Agreement for MassHealth Reforms

Oct 5, 2022

The Baker Administration recently received federal approval to expand and extend its  innovative Medicaid (MassHealth) section 1115 waiver through December 2027. The demonstration approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) supports integrated, outcomes-based care for MassHealth’s two million members and brings a new focus on advancing health equity by closing disparities in quality and access. The demonstration also focuses on investing in primary, behavioral and pediatric health care, and sustains Massachusetts’ national leadership by maintaining near-universal health insurance coverage.

Among the many advances made by the approved waiver are the following:

  • Support the Commonwealth’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform by expanding behavioral health services, access and integration.
  • Expand the Flexible Services and Community Supports Programs to address health-related social needs such as nutrition and housing, and to provide post-release transition supports for justice-involved members.
  • Expanded access to Medicare Savings Programs for members with MassHealth Standard.

MassHealth will hold a public meeting to discuss the recent approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of MassHealth’s Section 1115 Demonstration for the years 2022 – 2027. During this meeting MassHealth will also discuss the recently released annual report on the progress of delivery system reform and the Delivery System Reform Incentive Program (DSRIP) for calendar year 2020. This report provides updates on reforms, as well as findings and results.  

This virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10/26, 1-3 PM during which MassHealth staff will share an overview of the recent 1115 Demonstration approval as well as the 2020 annual report, and stakeholders will have an opportunity to ask questions. Questions may also be sent prior to the meeting via email, and attendees may request accommodations for the public meeting, such as interpretation services; inquiries can be sent to MassHealth.Innovations@mass.gov. 

Details for the public meeting, including zoom link and dial-in numbers, may be found at: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/1115-masshealth-demonstration-waiver.