1115 Waivers and the Reentry Population: A Resource for Viral Hepatitis Coordinators

Recent federal developments underscore the importance of engaging in Medicaid Section 1115 reentry demonstrations. In September 2026, CMS approved new demonstrations in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Nevada and added reentry authority in the District of Columbia, effective October 1, 2026. These developments make it timely for hepatitis programs to connect with their Medicaid agencies to understand approved services and implementation plans.

NASTAD’s resource explains how Section 1115 reentry demonstrations can support viral hepatitis prevention and care by allowing Medicaid coverage of certain services before release from incarceration. Depending on each state’s approval, these services may include hepatitis B and C screening, treatment initiation or continuation, vaccination, and care coordination. The resource emphasizes the opportunity to prevent treatment interruptions and strengthen connections to community providers during reentry, while noting that eligibility, covered services, and participating correctional facilities vary by state.

The resource also outlines practical steps for viral hepatitis coordinators, including joining Medicaid implementation workgroups, shaping screening and treatment workflows, establishing correctional–community referral pathways, and incorporating hepatitis into care coordination and data systems. A Washington State example illustrates how linking jail rosters with hepatitis C surveillance data can help identify people who are untreated and connect them to treatment before release. Together, these approaches offer actionable ways to embed hepatitis services into reentry systems and advance elimination efforts among people disproportionately affected by incarceration and gaps in access to care.

For questions please contact Isabel Lechuga.