The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rescinded waivers for programs that fund housing, nutrition and other social services for high-risk Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollees.
The agency rolled back guidance linked to health-related social needs programs under Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waivers. States use these programs to pay for wraparound services such as temporary housing and meals for children and adults who may become homeless, struggle with mental illness and transition from institutional care, among other risk factors.
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The agency said in a Tuesday informational bulletin it is removing November 2023 and December 2024 health-related social needs guidance “to evaluate policy options consistent with Medicaid and CHIP program requirements and objectives.” CMS will consider states’ applications on a case-by-case basis, the agency said in the bulletin.
CMS did not say how removing guidance would impact states with active waivers.
The guidance removal is the latest move by federal agencies under President Donald Trump to cut healthcare spending. Earlier this month, the National Institutes of Health slashed federal grant funding, prompting several lawsuits that led to a temporary restraining order blocking the cuts.
