CMS extends CA Medicaid demonstration waiver

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last week extended California's Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver through 2020. Building on a 2010 waiver, the renewed waiver allows the state to extend its safety-net care pool for five years and test a new global payment system for uninsured patients at public hospital systems. Also included is a Public Hospital Redesign and Incentives in Medi-Cal program, which builds on the state's previous Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program. The waiver renewal also includes new options to provide coordinated care for vulnerable, high-use Medicaid recipients and increase access to dental care for low-income children. Section 1115 waivers allow states to expand eligibility and services and test new service delivery approaches in their Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance programs. For more on the California waver, visit www.calhospital.org.