Issue Briefs | Feb 11, 2022

Centering Health Equity in Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstrations

Patricia Boozang, Linda Elam, Nina Punukollu, and Alisha Reginal, Manatt Health

A recognition by leaders and policymakers in many states that longstanding structural racism has caused disproportionate health risks and poorer health outcomes for communities of color is prompting action to prioritize and advance health equity. One key strategy states are using to test new or innovative ideas related to health equity in their Medicaid programs is Section 1115 demonstrations.

Two issue briefs examine the role of Medicaid Section 1115 demonstrations in advancing health equity. Centering Health Equity in Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstrations: A Roadmap for States examines Medicaid’s role in promoting health equity and describes ways states can advance health equity through each demonstration lifecycle stage. The companion issue brief, Centering Health Equity in Medicaid: Section 1115 Demonstration Strategies outlines specific, innovative policies to advance health equity via Section 1115 demonstrations.

On Tuesday, February 15, State Health and Value Strategies is hosting a webinar that will highlight specific strategies from the two issue briefs.

 

 

Expert Perspectives

March 14, 2025

Recent Federal Marketplace Proposal Imposes New Requirements for States and Consumers

On March 10, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed regulation that makes several policy and operational changes to the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces and insurance rules. This expert perspective reviews provisions of the proposed rule to assess their impact on State-Based Marketplaces and state insurance regulators.

Medicaid Cuts and the States: Tracking State-Specific Estimates of the Impacts of Proposed Changes

Congress is considering a variety of federal policy changes that will have significant impacts on the Medicaid program, widely expected to reduce enrollment and federal Medicaid funding to states. A variety of state-level estimates have been released, which can be helpful for states as they consider how various policy proposals might impact their Medicaid programs. This expert perspective highlights state agencies that have estimated and quantified the potential impacts of various proposals on enrollment and spending. SHVS will continue to regularly monitor published estimates from states and update this expert perspective.