CMS: Four ways states can seek ACA waivers under updated guidance 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced four concepts that states can use to promote health coverage options under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act: account-based subsidies; state-specific premium assistance; adjusted plan options; and risk stabilization strategies. Specifically, the agency said the concepts allow a state to direct public subsidies into defined-contribution, consumer-directed accounts to pay for health insurance premiums or other health care expenses; design a subsidy structure that meets the unique needs of its population; provide financial assistance for different types of health insurance plans; and more flexibility to implement reinsurance programs or high-risk pools. “CMS and the Department of the Treasury look forward to engaging with states on these waiver concepts, which illustrate concepts that the Administration supports and that fit within the framework outlined in section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act,” the agency said. The departments last month issued updated guidance for states seeking to waive certain ACA requirements under Section 1332 beginning in plan year 2020.