Virginia MedicaidArchive
July 2020 – Waiver Changes
On July 1, 2020, DMAS submitted a formal withdrawal request letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that formally requested removal of the work and community engagement requirements, monthly premiums, and other “healthy behavior” requirement provisions from Virginia's 1115 demonstration waiver. Passage of the Commonwealth’s 2020 - 2022 biennium budget on May 21, 2020 included the formal elimination of these COMPASS provisions.
On July 9, 2020, CMS notified DMAS of their approval of Virginia’s request, to add the High Needs Supports benefit to its section 1115 demonstration waiver. CMS also accepted the proposed Section 1115 demonstration name change from “Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Delivery System Transformation” to “Building and Transforming Coverage, Services, and Supports for a Healthier Virginia” that better encompass the current ARTS and former foster youth coverage provisions, the new High Needs Supports program and any potential future programs.
DMAS is excited to implement this new benefit, scheduled for July 2022. The program will improve member health outcomes by providing critical supports targeting individuals with complex physical or behavioral health needs who are at risk for housing or employment instability and will soon be communicating next steps to stakeholders and the general public. Please stay tuned to this page for announcements, meetings, and updates on the High Needs Supports program.
Virginia Medicaid Approved for Housing and Employment Supports
Previous Updates
On June 7, 2018, Governor Northam signed the 2018 Virginia Acts of Assembly Chapter 2 (2018 Appropriations Act) directing the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to submit a Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver seeking federal approval for new Medicaid program features “designed to empower individuals to improve their health and well-being and gain employer sponsored coverage or other commercial health insurance coverage, while simultaneously ensuring the program's long-term fiscal sustainability.”
On December 30, 2019, CMS approved the extension of the existing Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS) and former foster youth coverage provisions of the waiver through December 31, 2024. CMS also accepted DMAS' request, submitted on December 3, 2019 at the Governor’s direction, to pause finalizing negotiations of the waiver provisions related to work and community engagement requirements, monthly premiums, and other healthy behavior requirements. The approved ARTS Delivery System Transformation waiver extension can be found on the CMS website at this link.