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The state is required to conduct an evaluation of the demonstration to support a comprehensive assessment of whether the demonstration components are effective in producing the desired outcomes for its beneficiaries and providers, as well as the state’s overall Medicaid program. Evaluation of the demonstration must align with the requirements detailed in the STCs, including examining impacts on coverage, access to and quality of care, utilization of services, health outcomes, and carceral and community coordination in service provision, among others. Eligible juveniles eligible under section 1902(nn)(2) of the Act are included under this reentry demonstration initiative and must be included in applicable monitoring and evaluation activities. The state’s monitoring and evaluation efforts must facilitate understanding the extent to which the demonstration might support reducing existing health disparities.
Consideration of Public Comments
The federal comment period was open from February 15, 2024, through March 16, 2024, and CMS received 34 comments. Comments came from a variety of individuals, research and advocacy groups, elected officials or government agencies, and medical providers or insurers.
Thirty-one comments were supportive of Pennsylvania’s request to provide reentry services and health-related social needs services to address social determinants of health. Several commentors advised that the state expand eligibility and services for the demonstration, with recommendations including extending reentry services to juveniles, expanding community health worker services, and investing in data collection and comprehensive data sharing initiatives. Two comments opposed Pennsylvania’s demonstration application, expressing concern about the financial and budgetary implications of the demonstration.
After careful consideration of the public comments submitted during the federal public comment period and the information received from the state public comment period, CMS has concluded that the demonstration is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of Medicaid.
Other Information
CMS’s approval of this demonstration is conditioned upon compliance with the enclosed set of expenditure authorities and the STCs defining the nature, character, and extent of anticipated federal involvement in the demonstration. The award is subject to CMS receiving written acceptance of this award and acceptance of these STCs within 30 days of the date of this approval letter.