CMS Innovation Waiver Allows Governors to Propose “State Alternative” to Affordable Care Act

On March 10, 2011, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released proposed rules for Innovation Waivers that will permit states to implement health insurance coverage and pricing policies that differ from those mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010. States that receive an Innovation Waiver will be required to ensure that the health insurance plans offer coverage that is at least as comprehensive and affordable as those that would have been required by PPACA's Health Insurance Exchanges, with no increase to the federal deficit. The State Innovation Waivers will be available . . .