Cost Allocation Waiver for Eligibility Determination under the Affordable Care Act

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER

DCL-11-13

DATE: Aug 12, 2011

ATTACHMENT: Final Tri-Agency Letter

TO: ALL STATE AND TRIBAL IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Cost Allocation Waiver for Implementation of Eligibility Determination under the Affordable Care Act

Dear Colleague:

On August 10th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a cost allocation waiver that has been granted by the Office of Management and Budget for implementation of eligibility determination functions under the Affordable Care Act. Please see the attached letter for details.

States and the federal government are building Health Insurance Exchanges that will be used to provide affordable insurance options and determine eligibility for millions of people. Many of those who use these exchanges will also be eligible for Human Services programs.

A key element in the waiver process is to ensure that the Affordable Care Act timeline requirements are met--it prioritizes the implementation of the insurance exchanges by January 2014--while states determine the best way to include Human Services eligibility determination. Integrated systems can realize efficiencies for states and better customer service for families.

This is your opportunity to reach out to Human Services agencies to discuss the role of the child support program in implementing the Affordable Care Act and improving customer service.

Sincerely,

Vicki Turetsky
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement