Colorado Family Care: HIFA Waiver Report

States have used section 1115 waiver authority to meet a wide range of health policy objectives. Because each state operates within its own unique environment, it is difficult to make comparisons across states. However, the concept that has been developed by Colorado has some elements in common with other states. Like many other Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability (HIFA) waivers, there are eligibility expansions. Also, there will be an employer sponsored insurance pilot where individuals with access to coverage through their employer will be allowed to choose between premium assistance and direct coverage. However, the key element of the waiver, the Colorado Family Care, is based not on other states but rather on what works for Colorado. Colorado Family Care borrows the most successful elements of both Medicaid and CHP+ to create an integrated, seamless program for children, (Excerpted from report).