Centering Health Equity in Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstrations

Long-standing structural racism and related health inequities experienced by people of color further laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have mobilized leadership in many states to take action on health equity. While addressing structural racism in health care requires collaborative and sustained efforts across state agencies, local governments, communities and other stakeholders, many states are looking to Medicaid as a critical lever for advancing health equity.

States seeking to test new or innovative ideas related to health equity in their Medicaid programs are tapping Section 1115 demonstrations as one key strategy. Across all demonstrations, including those that may not identify specific policies to...