As 2024 comes to a close, it’s wise to be on the lookout for changes and trends in the Medicaid waiver space. Staying up to date on all things Medicaid helps to ensure that you’re not caught off guard in the upcoming year. By the end of this article, we’ll share some LA Medicaid trends to watch for in 2025, potential changes, and what you can do to prepare.
Key Trends to Watch in 2025
Keep an eye out for the following LA Medicaid waiver trends:
- Expanded home and community-based services due to changing federal initiatives and Louisiana policies. The public’s disdain for institutional care settings has also encouraged this trend.
- An enhanced emphasis on behavioral health. In the healthcare industry, we’ve seen a sharp increase in behavioral health awareness and the acknowledgment of its connection to overall health. To that end, we expect to see even more behavioral health provisions offered through Medicaid waiver programs.
- Stricter redetermination requirements. Scarce funding and looming budget cuts lead Medicaid to preserve funds and ensure that only beneficiaries who need services receive them. Because of this trend, we expect to see stricter Medicaid waiver redetermination requirements.
Potential Changes to Louisiana Medicaid Waivers
When it comes to Louisiana Medicaid waivers, change is the only constant. We expect to see many changes going into the new year:
Budget Cuts Endanger Certain Services
Per the Louisiana Illuminator, there’s a projected state deficit endangering state-funded health programs for children and seniors with disabilities. This doesn’t mean that disability-focused Medicaid waiver programs are guaranteed to go away or be reduced in 2025. But there’s a chance that they will. Certain programs like PACE could be scrapped. We could also see a drop in transportation reimbursements, supplemental payments to hospitals, and more.
New Income Eligibility Terms for Medicaid Waivers
It’s not abnormal to see income eligibility changes with Medicaid waiver programs. In 2025, there’ll be a change pertaining to how income for a couple is calculated for nursing home resident waiver applications. This Medicaid Planning Assistance resource houses more information about 2025 income and asset limits.
Level of Care Requirements for Medicaid Waivers
To qualify for Medicaid waivers, applicants will have to meet a nursing facility level of care. This is in addition to new eligibility requirements to come throughout 2025. More information will be forthcoming.
Preparing for 2025 Medicaid Waiver Changes
The above changes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the changes on the horizon in 2025. So, it’s important to get prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Subscribe to Medicaid news resources and check them periodically.
- Review your current Medicaid waiver information and determine whether you could qualify for more services in the new year.
- Keep eligibility documentation on hand so you’ll have it ready in the event that you need to apply for new services.
Talk to Your Support Coordinator as Needed
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the changes to come. Your support coordinator is standing by to help you access new Medicaid waiver benefits, put your mind at ease as needed, and more. All it takes is a phone call or email.
