States of Reform: Polarization, Long-term Services and Supports, and Medicaid Waivers. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singer, Phillip M.
• Is Part Of: State & local government review. Volume 48:Number 4(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Affordable Care Act -- Medicaid -- long-term services and supports; State governments -- United States -- Periodicals; Local government -- United States -- Periodicals; Gouvernements d'États fédérés -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Administration locale -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 351.7305
• DOI: 10.1177/0160323X17699526
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1943-3409

Abstract

A growing percentage of state budgets has been focused on caring for individuals who receive long-term services and supports (LTSS). States have an important tool to reduce the costs of caring for individuals with LTSS, Medicaid Section 1915(c) waivers. Using logistic regression, whether and when a state decides to apply for a waiver during the years 1993–2014 is tested. Wealthier, larger states are more likely to apply for waivers, while previous waiver applications are related to fewer applications. The role of political polarization within the legislature has mixed results on whether a state decides to apply for a waiver.