AcademyHealth Stateside - 03/17/2006  (Plain Text Version)

Return to Graphical Version

In this issue:
 Uncharted Territory: Current Trends in Section 1115 Demonstrations
 Profiles in Coverage: New Mexico State Coverage Insurance
 Federal Waiver Approved for Arkansas
 Governors Push to Provide Coverage for All Children
 States Debate Insurance Market Reforms
 Update on Federal Activities
 The Impact of Premium Assistance Programs on Low-Income Populations
 HCFO Findings Brief – Bridging the Gap: The Role of Individual Health Insurance Coverage
 Save the Date: SCI Summer Meeting
 SCI National Meeting
 State Health Research and Policy Interest Group Activities
 Reports of Interest


Uncharted Territory: Current Trends in Section 1115 Demonstrations

 

SCI has just published an issue brief that examines new directions in recent section 1115 demonstration approvals and proposals. Previous SCI publications on the federal Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability (HIFA) initiative, “HIFA at Age Two: Opportunities and Limitations for States (November 2003) and “Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability Initiative: Opportunities and Issues for States” (August 2002), reviewed both early and subsequent demonstration approvals. This new brief takes a closer look at the more recent wave of 1115 demonstrations. The authors discuss trends in new financing arrangements, the development of defined contribution and individual accounts, and new benefit designs. This publication also discusses the many environmental factors which may influence the success of the new demonstrations, as well as the shape of future ones.