Warren and Markey Applaud Federal Medicaid Waiver for MassHealth

Washington, DC - Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey applauded today's announcement of a five-year Medicaid 1115 Waiver for Massachusetts, which includes more than $29 billion in federal funding for MassHealth. Warren, Markey, and the congressional delegation wrote to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in September in support of Massachusetts' waiver request.

"This federal support is great news for Massachusetts providers, patients, and community-based organizations and yet another example of Massachusetts leading the way in health reform," Senator Warren said. "I'm glad to work with our congressional delegation in support of our Commonwealth's efforts to ensure access to high-quality healthcare and to improve the delivery of care to families in need."

"The Medicaid waiver serves as the cornerstone of Massachusetts's health reform, and I'm pleased that this extension agreement will help the state build on our success and implement a national model of coordinated care," Senator Markey said. "In the face of a deadly opioid epidemic, the resources in this agreement that will allow for expanded substance use disorder treatment benefits and strengthened behavioral health services.  This agreement starts a new chapter in the evolution of health care delivery in Massachusetts, with the promise of improved healthcare for the 1.9 million MassHealth members. I applaud state officials for their tireless efforts securing this waiver."

More information about today's waiver announcement is available here.

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