States Modify Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Waivers to Respond to COVID-19

States are working rapidly to ensure that individuals with complex medical conditions and their families have access to necessary home- and community-based services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Under new federal rules, states can now temporarily amend programs serving Medicaid enrollees using long-term services and supports through waiver and state plan amendment applications.

The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made it easier for states to temporarily modify their Medicaid policies and programs through state 1115 demonstration, 1915(c) Appendix K home- and community-based services, and Section 1135 public health emergency waivers. States can also streamline changes through Medicaid state plan amendments. These CMS checklists and templates are helpful tools for states preparing waiver applications.