CMS Approves Washington State 1115 Medicaid COVID-19 Emergency Waiver, Will Allow Higher HCBS Rates To Maintain Capacity

On April 21, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a Washington State Medicaid 1115 waiver that will allow the state to pay higher rates to home- and community-based services (HCBS) provider organizations to maintain capacity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. Most of the approved provisions affect long-term services and supports (LTSS). In particular, they extend HCBS flexibilities available under 1915 (c) to beneficiaries receiving LTSS through a state plan amendment.

Additional provisions will allow the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) to establish a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund . . .