State Health Updates
- Arizona – Contingent upon federal approval from CMS, AHCCCS will pilot coverage of medically necessary Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing testing for Medicaid-enrolled children under one year of age who meet criteria. Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing testing is considered an emerging method of diagnosing genetic conditions.
- California – The California Department of Health Care Services is investing $144 million in 145 Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports (CS) organizations and providers across the state. The funding will support the capacity and infrastructure of providers working to improve health outcomes for Medi-Cal members by providing community based organizations delivering ECM and CS with the means to invest in their workforce, infrastructure and IT systems.
- Colorado – Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance Marketplace, announced that the maximum number of 11,000 individuals have submitted an application for 2024 coverage within the OmniSalud program and are eligible for financial savings. OmniSalud allows Coloradans without documentation (including DACA recipients) and who are ineligible for federal subsidies to get health insurance that meets the requirements of the ACA.
- Kansas – Governor Laura Kelly hosted a roundtable with behavioral health experts and first responders about how Medicaid expansion would improve mental and behavioral healthcare for Kansans.
- Massachusetts – Massachusetts submitted a request to amend its section 1115 demonstration, entitled “MassHealth Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) Section 1115 Demonstration,” to provide pre-release MassHealth services to individuals in certain public institutions; provide 12 months continuous eligibility for adults and 24 months continuous eligibility for members experiencing homelessness who are 65 and over; remove waiver authority of retroactive eligibility; expand Marketplace subsidies; and expand health-related social needs services to include short-term post hospitalization housing and temporary housing for pregnant members and families. The federal public comment period will be open through November 29, 2023.
- Maine – The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is encouraging anyone affected by the violence in Lewistown to reach out and connect with behavioral health support. DHHS has created a dedicated webpage with resources including online support and resources for children and families, as well as an online form for communities and organizations to request behavioral health support, such as on-site mental health clinics, or assistance tailored for specific communities.
- Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced changes to the state’s applications for health coverage and for help paying costs as a result of input and suggestions from county, tribal, DHS and MNsure workers and Navigators. The application has been revised to increase accessibility.
- Nebraska – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has launched the iServe Nebraska Portal’s new integrated benefit application that will make it easier for Nebraskans to apply for Medicaid and economic assistance benefit programs.
- New Jersey – Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Banking and Insurance Acting Commissioner Justin Zimmerman announced $5 million in Navigator grants for 26 community organizations to assist in enrolling uninsured and underinsured New Jersey residents in health coverage.
- New York – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the establishment of a New York State Commission on the Future of Health Care. The 13-member advisory body will work to build evidence-based and strategic recommendations for the state’s healthcare system.
- Oregon – The Oregon Health Authority has released an interactive dashboard that will provide ongoing updates on efforts to expand the statewide inventory of behavioral health residential treatment beds, housing units, rental assistance and other housing assistance. Oregon aims to increase capacity of housing assistance for people recovering from mental illness or substance-use.
- Virginia –The State Corporation Commission announced Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace is now available for Virginia residents to enroll in health insurance for 2024. The State-Based Marketplace replaces HealthCare.gov as Virginia’s official health benefit exchange.
- Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, a new service that will transform the support structure for children and families of children with developmental delays, disabilities, special healthcare needs, or mental health conditions. Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network includes a user-friendly website and toll-free helpline that lets families connect with resource guides who will help navigate through essential services and supports.