Transformation of Care
Innovating with Medicaid to meet basic needs
Overview
Transformation of Care refers to how we can make positive changes in Alaskan health care using the Medicaid system. Taking new approaches to Medicaid can make a major difference in improving Alaskans’ health while driving down health care costs. As of September 2024, more than a third of Alaskans (251,055 people) used Medicaid services.
Legislation
House Bill 344 Expands Services, Enables More Innovation
August 2024: House Bill 344 made Medicaid School-Based Services (SBS) available to more Alaskan children. The bill removed the requirement for a diagnosed disability. The bill also makes it possible for DOH to develop new Medicaid waivers to address various health-related needs, such as accessing food and temporary housing.
Expanding Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
February 2024: After changes introduced by the Governor’s Senate Bill 58, Alaska DPA increases postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months and increases income limits.
January 31, 2024: Press Release: Alaska ‘Pregnant Women Medicaid’ Changes Take Effect February 1
SB 57 Adult Home Care
2023: This legislation supports Alaskans caring for family members while providing financial assistance for care costs.
Waivers
Programs & Progress
Building State Capacity for Community-Informed Policymaking
July 2024: Alaska is one of seven states selected for this “action series” to help bring community members into Medicaid decision-making. The program is aimed at helping programs build a strong Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) of people who have used Medicaid benefits. This helps make sure people’s real-life experiences are considered in policies and planning. The program includes peer learning and technical support.
Complex Behavior Collaborative
The Complex Behavior Collaborative (CBC) program supports Medicaid and non-Medicaid clients with complex behavioral needs, offering consultation and training for providers and families. Its goals are to promote independence, improve quality of life, and reduce state costs. The program serves children, adolescents, and adults with serious mental illnesses or cognitive impairments, requiring agency referrals and specific eligibility criteria.
School-Based Services Grant ($2.5 Million)
A grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of $2.5 million over three years supports this DOH effort to make it easier for school districts to start, and get paid for, School-Based Services (SBS) from Medicaid.
Waivers
1115 Behavioral Health Medicaid Waiver
In January 2024, the 1115 Waiver was extended until December 31, 2028. The waiver expands Medicaid coverage to include more people and cover more health needs related to mental health, substance use disorders, and related issues.
Waivers for Incarcerated Populations
DOH has begun exploring how CMS waivers could potentially address health-related social needs for incarcerated populations, like medically necessary needs, temporary housing, food as medicine, and preventive screenings.