States Could Gain More Flexibility to Manage Medicaid Programs: Lessons from the 1990s AFDC Flexibility Experience

The Administration signaled a willingness to give states more flexibility to address health and prevention in new and innovative ways under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, allowing the Department of Health and Human Services to approve experimental and innovative projects that promote the goals of Medicaid. This comes at a pivotal time when many states are developing new ways to improve health care, reduce costs, and address health-related social needs such as housing.