Waiver 1115 Information

Section 1115 Medicaid waivers allow states to explore new options for providing health coverage to persons who would otherwise not be eligible and allow states to examine innovative ways to deliver care by waiving certain requirements of the Medicaid Act.

While waivers can be important tools that can help states respond to the needs of low-income individuals, they also present concerns for health advocates working to protect the rights of Medicaid enrollees and promote transparency in state waiver processes.

Sec. 1115 of the Social Security Act allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive some requirements of the Medicaid Act so that states can test novel approaches to improving medical assistance for low-income people.

Under the current administration, several states are seeking waivers to impose harmful cuts and restrictions. The first set of harmful waivers have been approved for Kentucky and Arkansas, with a number of states seeking to enact similar changes to Medicaid. Learn more about Medicaid waivers and how the National Health Law Program is combating the Trump administration’s illegal use of waivers to weaken Medicaid.

View 1115 Waiver Resources By State

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… results in Waivers and Demonstrations and New York.
  • February 6, 2023

    NHeLP Comments on New York State Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Amendment

    In these comments, NHeLP urges HHS to reject New York’s request for federal financial participation for institutions for mental disease, as increasing federal funding for institutional care risks serious harm to individuals with disabilities.

  • November 4, 2014

    Due Process in Duals Demonstrations: A Closer Look at New York

    New York is one of several states working to better integrate care and services for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid through a duals demonstration. In addition to integrating care, New York is working to integrate the Medicare and Medicaid appeals processes for individuals participating in its duals demonstration. This issue brief analyzes New York's integrated appeals process and examines the effects of integration on enrollees' due process rights.

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