CMS approved a request to amend its 1115 demonstration waiver in June 2024, which includes adding medical respite care [called Short-Term Post-Hospitalization Housing (STPHH) in their waiver request] as a reimbursable service starting Jan. 1, 2025. The waiver allows members experiencing homelessness who do not have consistent access to a private bathroom to utilize STPHH services for up to two days to prepare for colonoscopies (known now as “pre-procedure housing” in other states). After the procedure the member would not be eligible to continue to receive post-procedure STPHH services unless they met the risk-based and clinical criteria for required for eligibility.
The State launched a medical respite pilot program, giving five programs across the state capital funding to launch and implement medical respite services, ahead of the waiver’s implementation date. Programs are eligible to apply for MassHealth reimbursement as of April 1, 2025, and are utilizing the tools and lessons learned within the pilot period to continue to provide lifesaving services to their patients.
