ACTION ALERT - DHHS Section 1115 Waiver Application to CMS - Immediate action needed
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has formally submitted its Section 1115 waiver application to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). This particular waiver affects people who are considered to be “able-bodied,” but it would be precedent-setting for all of Maine’s other waiver programs if approved. The application went through a state public comment period, and two public hearings were held. Many of the comments during this public comment period expressed concerns about people being able to access healthcare and services if this waiver should go through.
DHHS has made revisions to the original proposal based on comments received during the public comment period. However, an analysis by Maine Equal Justice Partners indicates that the majority of the provisions that will affect people's access to healthcare and critical services still remain.
The application is in 30-day federal comment period, which ends at 11:00pm on 9/16. Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) believes this will limit people’s access to services. MEJP is encouraging people to submit comments, and they’re willing to help. MEJP has information on the original proposal, comments received, changes made due to comments received, and the final application package sent to CMS. They are preparing to file a lawsuit, in the event that the application is approved; they will build their case based on the comments submitted to CMS.
Some of the 1115 waiver proposals of concern, partially summarized by MEJP, include:
(Click here for Maine Equal Justice Partners full analysis of the waiver application)
(Click here to view the submitted application, which includes a summary of comments and how the State considered those comments in the development of the final application)
(Click here to view a summary of changes from the Department)
I encourage you to submit written public comments to CMS to help educate them about the effect of the proposed policy on the populations in need of services in Maine. Comments are due on Saturday, 9/16 by 11:00pm. In your written comments, it is often a good strategy to include concrete, real life experiences that clearly illustrate the effect this waiver would have on people with intellectual disabilities in Maine. You can talk about what services do to help people with intellectual/developmental disabilities gain and retain stability and inclusion in the community. This is the opportunity to tell your story and how unrestricted access to healthcare and adequate services are vital for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Maine.
To submit comments, simply click this link, and you'll be on the page on the CMS' website where you can submit comments for Maine's Section 1115 Waiver Application. You can type or copy and paste your comments in the box provided, or attach a document. You can even submit comments without identifying yourself. Contact MEJP for assistance in submitting comments. They are happy to provide assistance.
Please take the time to weigh in on this precedent setting proposal. Thank you for raising your voice and taking action
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has formally submitted its Section 1115 waiver application to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). This particular waiver affects people who are considered to be “able-bodied,” but it would be precedent-setting for all of Maine’s other waiver programs if approved. The application went through a state public comment period, and two public hearings were held. Many of the comments during this public comment period expressed concerns about people being able to access healthcare and services if this waiver should go through.
DHHS has made revisions to the original proposal based on comments received during the public comment period. However, an analysis by Maine Equal Justice Partners indicates that the majority of the provisions that will affect people's access to healthcare and critical services still remain.
The application is in 30-day federal comment period, which ends at 11:00pm on 9/16. Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) believes this will limit people’s access to services. MEJP is encouraging people to submit comments, and they’re willing to help. MEJP has information on the original proposal, comments received, changes made due to comments received, and the final application package sent to CMS. They are preparing to file a lawsuit, in the event that the application is approved; they will build their case based on the comments submitted to CMS.
Some of the 1115 waiver proposals of concern, partially summarized by MEJP, include:
- Some people would be limited to just 3 months of MaineCare coverage every 36 months;
- Some Mainers, even those with income below the poverty level, would be required to pay monthly MaineCare premiums or face financial penalties and loss of health coverage;
- Parents, children, and pregnant women could lose MaineCare coverage if they have even modest assets;
- There would be an elimination of retroactive Medicaid eligibility;
- There would be an elimination of hospital presumptive eligibility determinations; and
- MaineCare recipients would be charged a $10 co-payment for Hospital Emergency Department visits that have a primary diagnosis which the Department has deemed to be indicative of non-emergency utilization - even if a doctor advised them to go to the ER or it is the only option available.
(Click here for Maine Equal Justice Partners full analysis of the waiver application)
(Click here to view the submitted application, which includes a summary of comments and how the State considered those comments in the development of the final application)
(Click here to view a summary of changes from the Department)
I encourage you to submit written public comments to CMS to help educate them about the effect of the proposed policy on the populations in need of services in Maine. Comments are due on Saturday, 9/16 by 11:00pm. In your written comments, it is often a good strategy to include concrete, real life experiences that clearly illustrate the effect this waiver would have on people with intellectual disabilities in Maine. You can talk about what services do to help people with intellectual/developmental disabilities gain and retain stability and inclusion in the community. This is the opportunity to tell your story and how unrestricted access to healthcare and adequate services are vital for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Maine.
To submit comments, simply click this link, and you'll be on the page on the CMS' website where you can submit comments for Maine's Section 1115 Waiver Application. You can type or copy and paste your comments in the box provided, or attach a document. You can even submit comments without identifying yourself. Contact MEJP for assistance in submitting comments. They are happy to provide assistance.
Please take the time to weigh in on this precedent setting proposal. Thank you for raising your voice and taking action