Rhode Island § 40-8-17 - Medical Assistance

§ 40-8-17. Waiver request.

(a) Formation. The executive office of health and human services is directed and authorized to apply for and obtain any necessary waiver(s), waiver amendment(s), and/or state plan amendments from the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, including, but not limited to, an extension of the section 1115(a) demonstration waiver amended, as appropriate, and renamed to reflect the state’s effort to coordinate all publicly financed health care. The secretary of the office shall ensure that the state’s health and human services departments and the people and communities they serve in the Medicaid program shall have the opportunity to contribute to and collaborate in the formulation of any request for a new waiver, waiver extension, and/or state plan amendment(s). Any actions shall: (1) Continue efforts to rebalance the system of long-term services and supports by assisting people in obtaining care in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting; (2) Pursue further utilization of care-management models that promote preventive care, offer a health home, and provide an integrated system of services; (3) Use smart payments and purchasing to finance and support Medicaid initiatives that fill gaps in the integrated system of care; and (4) Recognize and ensure access to non-medical services and supports, such as peer navigation and employment and housing stabilization services, that are essential for optimizing a person’s health, wellness, and safety and that reduce or delay the need for long-term services and supports.

(b) Effective July 1, 2009, any provision presently in effect in the Rhode Island general laws where the executive office of health and human services is authorized to apply for and obtain any necessary waiver(s), waiver amendment(s), and/or state plan amendment(s) for the purpose of providing medical assistance to recipients, shall authorize the executive office of health and human services to proceed with appropriate category changes in accordance with the special terms and conditions of the Rhode Island Global Consumer Choice Compact section 1115(a) Demonstration Waiver or any extension thereof, as amended and/or renamed under the authority provided in this section.