The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Center for Medicaid and CHIP informational bulletin rescinding guidance from the Biden administration that outlined and encouraged the use of Medicaid authorities, including section 1115 demonstrations, to address Medicaid enrollees’ health-related social needs (HRSN). The March 4 bulletin specifically rescinds a 2023 bulletin (PDF) and a 2024 bulletin (PDF), as well as an HRSN framework (PDF) published by the CMS in 2023. These now-rescinded documents discussed opportunities under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover services and supports, such as housing and nutrition supports, that address HRSN. Eighteen states have approved section 1115 waivers to address HRSN under the HRSN framework. In the new guidance, the CMS states that it will evaluate states’ applications to cover HRSN-related services on a case-by-case basis, without reference to the November 2023 and December 2024 bulletins or the HRSN framework.
- Washington Highlights