On Friday, May 12 th , the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) announced its intent to submit a Request to Amend the MassHealth Section 1115 Demonstration to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 26, 2017 and related State Plan Amendments (SPAs) thereafter. The Demonstration Amendment Request outlines the specific authorities being requested from CMS to ensure the sustainability of the MassHealth program while retaining access for vulnerable populations. Specifically, the Demonstration Amendment seeks authority to limit non-emergency transportation in the MassHealth CarePlus program, except for transportation to substance use disorder (SUD) services, to modify eligibility criteria for provisional eligibility, and to continue existing coverage of certain former foster care youth. Related SPAs addressing these changes will also be submitted pursuant to CMS requirements. 


EOHHS will accept comments on the proposed Demonstration Amendment including the related SPAs (collectively the “proposed Amendment”) through June 12, 2017. The proposed Amendment; details on where to submit comments; and additional relevant information are available at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/masshealth/masshealth-and-health-care-reform.html .