Feds sign off on state’s 1135 waiver

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services signed off on the state’s 1135 waiver request Monday, easing requirements for out-of-state providers, reimbursement at unlicensed facilities and prior authorization.

President Donald Trump unlocked the new flexibilities when he declared a national emergency on March 13. CMS approved 1135 waivers for 10 other states Monday. It green lit waiver requests for Florida and Washington last week.

“These waivers give a broad range of states the regulatory relief and support they need to more quickly and effectively care for their most vulnerable citizens,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in a statement.

The waiver will make it easier for providers who are licensed in another state, or enrolled in another federal program, to treat Illinois Medicaid patients. It authorizes reimbursement for services at unlicensed facilities as long as the state determines that the facility meets minimum standards.

It also allows Illinois to temporarily suspend Medicaid fee-for-service prior authorization requirements and extend pre-existing authorizations.

The waiver is in place from March 1 until the end of the public health emergency.

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