As you may know, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is seeking to secure additional federal Medicaid resources through a five-year extension of the Behavioral Health Transformation Section 1115 Demonstration first approved by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2018.
Illinois' extension request seeks broad approval to incorporate pioneering initiatives driving healthcare transformation in Illinois, including HFS' Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives Program. Accordingly, HFS proposes to rename the demonstration program extension the "Illinois Healthcare Transformation Section 1115 Demonstration." The proposed demonstration extension targets root causes of health disparities by focusing on social determinants of health (SDOH) to address structural inequities including housing insecurity, food insecurity, and violence in tangible ways that will improve health outcomes. If approved, the extension will bring focus and resources to a broad range of health-related social needs (HRSN) benefits through sustainable, community-driven solutions that incorporate non-traditional providers into the Medicaid enterprise and managed care service delivery system.
More background is attached, and even more related information is posted here: 1115demonstrationwaiverbhtfiveyearextension (illinois.gov)
Individuals and organizations can direct comments, data, views, or arguments concerning this proposal by emailing HFS.BBPC@Illinois.gov.
Ideally, letters of support will be prepared on organizational letterhead and sent via email to HFS.BBPC@illinois.gov. Letters of support and other public comments must be submitted by June 12, 2023.
SAMPLE/TEMPLATE SUPPORT LETTER
Kelly Cunningham
Medicaid Administrator
Division of Medical Programs
Department of Healthcare and Family Services
201 South Grand Avenue East, 3rd Floor
Springfield, Illinois 62763
Dear Ms. Cunningham,
On behalf of [name of organization], [description of organization], I wish to express our strong support for the Illinois Healthcare Transformation 1115 Waiver extension application that will be submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
This waiver application recognizes the need to bring comprehensive, community-driven and coordinated healthcare and social services that will improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable people in our state. The waiver services proposed are critical to addressing health disparities across our state and achieving health equity in Illinois.
[Name of organization] is eager to see this waiver approved and these vital services funded with federal support so we can truly address the holistic needs of our clients and their families. We commend state leadership on this important initiative and urge swift federal approval so that Illinois can achieve its vision for healthcare transformation.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name]
[Title]
