Feds reject parts of Utah's Medicaid reform waiver

SALT LAKE CITY — Federal officials have rejected several key provisions in Utah's request for more local flexibility in reforming Medicaid.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services turned down the state's plan to up the Medicaid co-pay from less than $3 to $6. It also won't allow the state to offer vouchers for residents to use the Utah Health Exchange instead of enrolling in the federal health care plan.

"They're still chewing on other parts of the waiver," Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, told the House GOP caucus Tuesday.

State lawmakers last year approved a Medicaid reform legislation revolving around how health care providers are compensated for serving patients and developing an incentive program that would drive people to the appropriate facilities for care. The proposal requires a federal waiver.

While federal officials mull the remainder of the state's request, Dunnigan intends to run a bill seeking an amendment to a current waiver to make more residents eligible for the Utah Premium Partnership, which provides affordable insurance to low-wage working families.

— Dennis Romboy Twitter: dennisromboy