Medicaid Directors Ask Congress To Fix CMS 1115 Waiver Backlog

The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services needs more staff to be able to process the nearly 70% increase in 1115 waiver applications that’s contributing to an approval time that often takes longer than 12 months, the National Association of Medicaid Directors says, adding Congress could also improve the CMS Innovation Center process by designating startup funds for states launching 1115 initiatives. While states have stepped up their interest in Medicaid-funded health-related social needs programs, especially in response to the...