Updates and FAQs: Developing and Implementing a Medicaid State Plan Amendment to Authorize Community Health Worker Reimbursement

Authors: Megan D’Alessandro, Elinor Higgins, Sandra Wilkniss

Many states have used federal COVID-19 grants to expand community health worker (CHW) programs, recognizing their vital role in connecting communities to health and social services. With these grants ending, states are turning to Medicaid for sustainable funding. Several states have received federal approval to reimburse CHW services through Medicaid State Plan Amendments (SPAs), with more in progress. NASHP’s CHW Learning Collaborative helps states navigate this process, sharing best practices and insights. As of 2024, 15 states have approved SPAs, with recent approvals in Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, and New Mexico.