The New Review and Approval Process Rule for Section 1115 Medicaid and CHIP Demonstration Waivers

Section 1115 Medicaid and CHIP demonstration waivers are intended to allow for research and demonstration projects to test new approaches in program design and administration. The Affordable Care Act required the Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations designed to ensure that the public has meaningful opportunities to provide input into the Section 1115 waiver process. On February 22, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued final regulations implementing these provisions. The following issue-brief provides an overview of the new rule.

Joan Alker is the Executive Director of the Center for Children and Families and a Research Professor at the Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy.

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