The Use of 1915(i) Medicaid Plan Option for Individuals with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Created by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), Section 1915(i) of the Social Security Act gives state Medicaid programs the flexibility to cover home and community-based services (HCBS) through a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) without the need to seek a federal waiver. This research project analyzed state implementation of 1915(i), including prospects for innovative and more widespread future use. [37 PDF pages]