LDH invites public comment on Reentry 1115 Demonstration Waiver application

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC), intends to submit an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for an 1115 demonstration waiver to improve access to critical pre- and post-release services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are incarcerated.

LDH and DPSC are responding to a recent CMS opportunity for states to increase care for individuals who are incarcerated in the period prior to their release to promote health and success upon community reentry. This new waiver would allow Louisiana Medicaid to provide approved services such as substance use treatment, case management and a 30-day supply of all prescription medications to eligible individuals.

In Louisiana's design, all state prison facilities and up to 13 parish jails will be eligible. Louisiana Medicaid could provide approved services to eligible individuals 90 days prior to release.

Louisiana has the fifth-highest drug overdose mortality rate in the country, and an estimated 73% of incarcerated individuals in DPSC have a substance use disorder that contributed to their incarceration. Entering and exiting institutional facilities often causes disruptions in healthcare coverage and access to substance use treatment, making it challenging to foster recovery pre- and post-release. The state has also observed a vicious cycle of individuals lapsing in and out of correctional facilities as a result of their substance use disorder, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

"This waiver is a tremendous opportunity to improve behavioral health outcomes for a population that has proven difficult to reach with effective interventions around substance use," said LDH Secretary Michael Harrington. "LDH continues to lead the way in responding to the opioid crisis, and we know that addressing substance use for those released from correctional facilities and jails requires a multi-pronged response. This waiver allows for significant cost-sharing to address priority health issues that will make our communities safer and healthier places for all."

"Governor Jeff Landry has made public safety a policy priority in his administration, and ensuring recently released incarcerated individuals have the tools they need to optimize their health, contribute positively to their communities and avoid recidivism is key to achieving our goals," said LDH Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D. "LDH is proud to offer innovative approaches to assist recently incarcerated individuals with treating substance use disorder and accessing other health services upon reentry. I also want to extend my thanks to the Governor's Office, DPSC and local parish leadership for their partnership in pursuing this application."

The public comment period is critical to the Department's application development process. During this period, LDH invites feedback and input from stakeholders on the waiver design.

LDH has posted its Reentry 1115 Waiver application for public comment until August 30, 2024. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by mail to Missy Graves, P.O. Box 4049, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.

Two public hearings are scheduled for staff to provide an overview of the application and hear public comment in person. Details of those hearings can be found below:

Public Hearing No. 1
August 13 at 1 p.m.
Louisiana Department of Health
Bienville Building
628 N. 4th St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Virtual/remote participation is available by web or phone at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84284472322, with dial-in available at (602) 333-0032 using conference code 520621.

Public Hearing No. 2
August 16 at noon
Shreveport Behavioral Health Clinic
1210 N. Hearne Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71107
Virtual/remote participation is available by web or phone at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81194952051, with dial-in available at (602) 333-0032 using conference code 273643

More information about the waiver can be found here.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.