On July 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a change to 1115 waivers that change how states can use Medicaid funds for enrollment of beneficiaries and for job training or employment activities.
According to CMS, this change is “to restore accountability and safeguard the long-term integrity of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).” CMS estimates the two initiatives cost more than one billion dollars. Specifically, after the existing 1115 waiver demonstrations end, CMS will no longer approve funding for
- Expanded continuous eligibility
- Medicaid-funded workforce initiatives
The memo from CMS (English only) states that this will return Medicaid to its core mission, “providing a safety net for the most vulnerable.”
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