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Committee hears HEART waiver reentry plan and Medicaid reporting requirements
Summary
DPHHS and BHDD staff described the HEART waiver's reentry services for incarcerated individuals and the department's reporting framework for HEART metrics to CMS.
DPHHS officials told the House Appropriations subcommittee the HEART waiver adds reentry services and other targeted supports under Medicaid for incarcerated individuals and that the department has submitted a reentry implementation plan to CMS.
Why it matters: the HEART waiver allows certain incarcerated people to apply for Medicaid and access a limited set of reentry services before release, which DPHHS officials said aims to reduce gaps in care and improve linkage to community services.
What presenters said: Megan Peel, BHDD administrator, described the waiver as permitting incarcerated individuals in the state prison system to apply for Medicaid and access reentry services 30 days prior to release. Services listed include case management, medication‑assisted treatment, a 30‑day supply of medication on release and connections to community targeted case management providers, Peel said. Peel added DPHHS had submitted a reentry implementation plan to CMS and that the department is coordinating with the Department of Corrections and Home and Community Services to prepare systems for an October 2025 go‑live date.
DPHHS will report at quarterly and annual intervals on HEART metrics, Peel said, noting the department tracks over 36 metrics to CMS including follow‑up care after emergency department visits for substance use disorder at 7 and 30 days. Jeanne Hermanson, Medicaid chief financial manager, described how some HEART‑related services are funded by state special‑revenue HEART funds (about $6 million annually from the recreational marijuana tax) and how the waiver enables federal match for certain services. Hermanson said those CMS metrics include outputs and outcomes and that DPHHS will provide the committee with a full list of required measures.
Limitations and next steps: officials reiterated that implementation of waiver change packages and expansion proposals is contingent on legislative action and on CMS approval for implementation details. The subcommittee asked for a clearer crosswalk linking HEART expenditures in department reports to the activities described in the narrative; the department agreed to provide a fund‑by‑narrative crosswalk for the committee to review.
