CMS to extend Washington’s current MTP waiver period

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 10/18/2022 02:00 PM PDT

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CMS to extend Washington’s current MTP waiver period

MTP programs and services will continue; negotiations for MTP 2.0 are underway

In July 2022, the Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) submitted an application to renew our state’s Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) waiver. We’re calling the MTP waiver renewal “MTP 2.0.”

MTP is Washington’s Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver, which is an agreement between our state and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). MTP allows our state to develop innovative projects, activities, and services that improve Apple Health, which is Washington State's Medicaid program.

MTP 2.0 update

We began meeting with CMS this month; however, CMS will not finish their MTP 2.0 negotiations by the end of the year. So, CMS is proposing a short extension—three to six months—to the current MTP waiver period, which was scheduled to end December 31, 2022.

This short extension into 2023 will allow:

Current MTP programs to continue, and Apple Health enrollees can continue to have access to services without disruption of care.
Time for CMS to review Washington’s MTP 2.0 application.
Our state to continue to negotiate and work with CMS.

Read our FAQ to learn more.

Important note: CMS’ short extension is different than the one-year extension our state received because of COVID-19.

We’ll be updating our website and sending announcements as we learn more from CMS. For questions, please contact us at MedicaidTransformation@hca.wa.gov.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.