| Today, in keeping with its commitment to ensure states have the necessary tools to respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an additional five state Medicaid waiver requests under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act (Act), bringing the total number of approved Section 1135 waivers for states to thirty four. The waivers offer states new flexibilities to focus their resources on combatting the outbreak and providing the best possible care to their Medicaid beneficiaries. These waivers support President Trumps commitment to operating a COVID-19 response that is locally executed, state managed and federally supported. All Section 1135 approval letters will be postedhereas they are issued. Additional information about all of the Section 1135 Waivers that CMS has approved can be found here. CMS approved waivers for the following states today: Connecticut Delaware Minnesota Pennsylvania Wyoming CMS provides guidance to states on how to apply for Section 1135 waivers through the Medicaid Disaster Response Tool Kit, which can be foundhere. To further the agencys efforts, CMS has developedchecklists and toolsto expedite requests and approvals for waivers and other commonly requested flexibilities. CMS will continue to expeditiously review and approve, as appropriate, all Section 1135 waivers and other requests that the agency receives to ensure that we are providing our state partners with the maximum flexibility they need to care for their Medicaid beneficiaries during the public health emergency. These waivers, and earlier CMS actions in response to COVID-19, are part of the ongoing White House Task Force efforts. To keep up with the important work the Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19, visitwww.coronavirus.gov. For a complete and updated list of CMS actions, and other information specific to CMS, please visit theCurrent Emergencies Website. Additionally, CMS has launched a dedicated,Medicaid.gov, COVID-19 resource pagethat will be continually updated with relevant information. |
