Summary
TRP Health Policy has prepared an Issue Brief offering an overview of Section 1332 and 1115 State Innovation Waivers, both of which offer the opportunity for innovative health reforms on the state level – and are of expressed interest to entities on both sides of the aisle. The Trump Administration has indicated that it intends to vigorously leverage regulatory authority to shape health policy. Democrats too have noted waivers as opportunities to continue to leverage the ACA and maximize its impact. Potential areas that may be addressed include Medicaid, CHIP, and other aspects of ACA implementation, including Exchange marketplace functions, qualified health plan requirements and metal tier rankings, employer and individual mandates, cost-sharing assistance, and premium tax credits. Utilized together, states can pursue significant changes across the private and public markets. Select waivers are already in process and others are likely to be initiated soon.