Gauging Effectiveness of Medicaid Waivers in Spotlight’s Glare

Medicaid waivers are in the hot seat as congressional pressure mounts to ensure more transparency on how well they actually work.

The state Section 1115 demonstrations make up about one-third of the $550 billion safety-net health insurance program’s spending, according to the Government Accountability Office. And the Trump administration has placed a premium on the tool, promising a streamlined approval process for states and increased flexibility, as well as approving first-ever requirements in Indiana and Kentucky to tie Medicaid eligibility to work and community engagement.

The hotly contested waivers have sparked a National Health Law Program lawsuit and an ...