Paving the Way for Patient-Centered State Innovation
Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act allows states to seek exemptions from some of the law’s most burdensome regulations if they come up with innovative ways to provide their citizens with access to quality, affordable coverage choices.
In March, Secretary Price sent a letter to the governors of all 50 states encouraging them to apply for such waivers and to design innovative patient-centered proposals that would lead to lower premiums, greater choices, and more stable insurance markets.
HHS is committed to encouraging this process any way we can, so we released an Innovation Waiver Checklist for states seeking 1332 waivers.
The Innovation Waiver Checklist will help inform states about what’s needed to complete the waiver application process, making it even easier for them to execute their ideas for bringing down costs for patients and taxpayers.
One particular innovation states may consider is setting up a state reinsurance program, which helps bring down premiums for all patients by protecting insurers against especially high claims costs.
Secretary Price believes strongly in the importance of state innovation in healthcare and health insurance markets, and the Innovation Waiver Checklist is just the latest sign of his commitment.
