Medicaid Seeks Public Comment for New State Innovation Waiver

Carson City, NV November 20, 2023

The Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (Nevada Medicaid) today announced the beginning of a 30-day public comment period for a State Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver application. The public comment period is open from November 20 through December 20, 2023. Stakeholders, the public, patients, insurers, and providers are encouraged to provide feedback. This is the first formal step in submitting a proposal to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the implementation of new state health insurance options as required by Nevada Revised Statutes 695K.

As part of the waiver application, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is proposing to establish a new Market Stabilization Program to help mitigate the potential risks posed to the state’s health care system by the implementation of the new health insurance options.

The proposal includes seeking federal approval for implementing:
• A state-based reinsurance program at no cost to the state.
• An annual bonus payment program to reward health insurance carriers that make strides in improving health outcomes and quality of care.
• A loan repayment program designed to support health care providers who commit to living and practicing in Nevada for at least four years.

“The new initiatives outlined in this waiver application aim to improve access to health care for Nevadans, while strengthening the marketplace for those who purchase their own health insurance,” Nevada Medicaid Administrator Stacie Weeks said.

Public notices, meetings, public comment methods, 1332 Actuarial Analysis/Economic Analysis, and the draft of the 1332 State Waiver Application are available here: https://dhcfp.nv.gov/MarketStabilization/.

Contact

Ky Plaskon
Public Information Officer, Division of Health Care Financing and Policy