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NYS FAM Research
Resource Guide

Potential Health Policy Administrative Actions in the Second Trump Administration

This report outlines possible administrative health policy changes that President-elect Trump might implement without congressional approval, based on his campaign positions and prior actions during his first term. Key areas discussed include modifications to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), such as altering Marketplace enrollment processes and reducing funding for consumer assistance programs. Additionally, the report addresses potential shifts in policies related to abortion, contraception, Medicaid, immigration and health, LGBTQ health, public health, racial health equity, global health, prescription drugs, fentanyl, and long-term care. The publication serves as a guide to anticipate and understand the possible directions the incoming administration may take in health policy.​

KFF. (2024, December 16). Potential Health Policy Administrative Actions in the Second Trump Administration. https://www.kff.org/elections/potential-health-policy-administrative-actions-in-the-second-trump-administration/

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Policy Implications of 2025 White House Administration Change

2024

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Feature story - proposed SNAP and Medicaid cuts, HRSN in the first Trump administration, and the path forward for Medicaid food security strategies

This publication examines potential federal budget cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), highlighting their interconnectedness and the risks such cuts pose to food and nutrition security. It emphasizes that reductions in one program can adversely affect the other, given their mutual reinforcement at both participant and agency levels. The article also discusses the previous Trump administration's approach to addressing health-related social needs (HRSN) within Medicaid and suggests that "Food is Medicine" initiatives could serve as common ground for advancing food and nutrition security. Additionally, it encourages readers to contact their members of Congress to advocate for the protection of SNAP and Medicaid programs.

Xie, J., et al. (2025, February 25). Feature story - proposed SNAP and Medicaid cuts, HRSN in the first Trump administration, and the path forward for Medicaid food security strategies. Medicaid Food Security Network. https://medicaidfoodsecuritynetwork.org/feb2025-feature-snap-medicaid-fim-post-election/?mc_cid=e8376082be&mc_eid=560afeb2ec

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Policy Implications of 2025 White House Administration Change

2025

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What cutting junk foods from SNAP could mean for millions of recipients

This article discusses the Trump administration's consideration of removing "junk food" from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to address health concerns. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have expressed support for excluding items like sugary drinks and processed foods from SNAP benefits. Implementing such a ban would require congressional action or approved state demonstration projects, though similar past requests have been denied. Critics highlight potential challenges, including impacts on recipients in food deserts, increased administrative burdens, and complications for retailers in identifying restricted items.

Habeshian, S. (2025, March 8). What cutting junk food from SNAP could mean for millions of recipients. AXIOS. https://www.axios.com/2025/03/08/snap-junk-foods-cuts-trump

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Policy Implications of 2025 White House Administration Change

2025

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Using “Food Is Medicine” to Invest in a Healthier America

In this article, former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist discusses the economic and health benefits of integrating "Food Is Medicine" strategies into healthcare. He highlights research from Tufts University, which found that providing medically tailored meals resulted in net annual savings of $9,000 per patient. Frist emphasizes that investing in such nutrition interventions can lead to significant reductions in healthcare costs while improving health outcomes. He advocates for policy changes to support these initiatives, suggesting that they represent a practical approach to achieving a healthier America.
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Policy Implications of 2025 White House Administration Change

2025

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New York 1115 Medicaid Waiver Information Page

This webpage outlines New York's Section 1115 Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Waiver, which has been in effect since 1997. The waiver enables the state to operate a managed care program aimed at delivering comprehensive and coordinated healthcare to Medicaid recipients, with goals of improving access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of services. Additionally, the page offers resources for stakeholders interested in the waiver and details on how to contribute to ongoing efforts. It also provides information about the Medicaid Redesign Team's multi-year action plan designed to enhance health outcomes for over five million New Yorkers and control Medicaid costs.

New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). (Revised: June 2025). New York 1115 Medicaid Waiver Information Page. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/medicaid_waiver_1115.htm

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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1115 Waiver amendment request 9.2.2022

This resource is a letter from the New York State Department of Health to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In this letter, New York State requests an amendment to its Section 1115 Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Waiver, seeking $13.52 billion over five years to implement initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities and advancing health equity, particularly in response to challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed strategies include building a more integrated delivery system, enhancing transitional housing services, strengthening system capabilities to address workforce shortages, and creating statewide digital health and telehealth infrastructure. The letter emphasizes the state's commitment to transforming Medicaid by integrating social, physical, and behavioral health care to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). (2022, September 2). New York State Medicaid Redesign Team (RDT) Waiver Amendment, New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER): Making Targeted, Evidence-Based Investments to Address the Health Disparities Exacerbated by the COVID-19
Pandemic, 1115 Research and Demonstration Waiver Amendment #11-W-00114/2. Office of Health Insurance Programs. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/medicaid_waiver_1115.htm

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2022

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NYS MRT 1115 Waiver Approval Letter 1.9.2024

This letter approves New York's request to amend its Medicaid Section 1115(a) demonstration, known as the "Medicaid Redesign Team" (MRT). The amendment aims to advance health equity, reduce health disparities, support the delivery of health-related social needs (HRSN) services, and promote workforce development. Additionally, it grants the state authority to implement a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) demonstration. The approval is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the demonstration's expiration on March 31, 2027.

New York Medicaid Redesign Demonstration. (Amended: 2024, January 9). Demonstration Approval Period: April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2027. Department of Health & Human Services, CMS - Center For Medicaid & CHIP Services. https://www.medicaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/ny-medicaid-rdsgn-team-appvl-01092024.pdf

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2024

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The AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool

This screening tool was developed to identify and address health-related social needs (HRSNs) among Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. It focuses on five core domains: housing instability, food insecurity, transportation problems, utility assistance needs, and interpersonal safety. Additionally, it includes questions on eight supplemental domains such as financial strain, employment, and mental health. The tool is designed for use by clinicians and staff across various healthcare settings to systematically screen individuals and facilitate referrals to appropriate community services, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). The Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/worksheets/ahcm-screeningtool.pdf

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2017

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Medicaid Waiver Tracker: Approved and Pending Section 1115 Waivers by State

This tracker offers a comprehensive overview of Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waivers, which allow states to test new approaches in Medicaid that differ from federal requirements, provided they align with the program's objectives. The resource details both approved and pending waivers across states, focusing on provisions related to eligibility, benefits, social determinants of health, and other delivery system reforms. Additionally, it includes detailed topic tables, aggregate state tables, and key themes maps to illustrate recent trends and priorities in Medicaid waivers.
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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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NYS Health Equity Regional Organization (HERO) Announced | Jan 24th, 2025

This source is announcing the launch of the Health Equity Regional Organization (HERO) initiative. This initiative aims to advance health equity by addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes across the state. HERO will collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to implement community-based strategies tailored to the specific needs of diverse populations. The program focuses on integrating social determinants of health into healthcare delivery to ensure comprehensive and equitable care for all New Yorkers.

New York State Department of Health. (2025, January). New York State Department of Health Launches State Medicaid Health Equity Regional Organization (HERO) Initiative. https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-01-24_hero_initiative.htm

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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Medicaid 1115 Waiver Watch: Round-up of Key Themes at the End of the Biden Administration

This brief examines the Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waivers approved during the Biden administration, which aimed to expand coverage, reduce health disparities, advance whole-person care, and improve access to behavioral health services. Notably, 18 waivers were approved to address health-related social needs (HRSN), such as housing instability and nutrition insecurity, by providing evidence-based services to high-need populations. The brief also discusses potential shifts in waiver priorities with the transition to the Trump administration, highlighting uncertainties regarding the continuation or modification of these waivers.
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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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1115 Waiver Overview/Summary - CHCANYS

This document outlines New York State's Section 1115 Medicaid waiver, approved on January 9, 2024, which allocates $7.5 billion over three years to advance health equity, address health-related social needs (HRSN), and enhance workforce development. Key initiatives include the establishment of Social Care Networks (SCNs) for HRSN services, the creation of a Health Equity Regional Organization (HERO) to reduce health disparities, and significant investments in workforce development programs such as student loan repayment and training initiatives. The waiver also introduces provider rate increases in primary care and behavioral health services, aiming to improve access and quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Community Health Care Association of New York State. (2024, January 12). NYS 1115 Waiver Summary. https://files.constantcontact.com/b6bde37a401/4b99664a-575d-4da4-9734-126db42601cd.pdf?rdr=true

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2024

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NYSHER Waiver Terms and Acronyms

This source offers an extensive list of abbreviations and definitions pertinent to the New York State Health Equity Reform (NYSHER) 1115 Medicaid Waiver. The document serves as a valuable resource for understanding complex terminology associated with the waiver, including terms like Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN), and various program names and agencies involved in the initiative. This compilation aids stakeholders in navigating the specific language and concepts integral to the implementation and operation of the NYSHER waiver.

Care Compass. (n.d.). NYSHER Waiver Terms And Acronyms: 1115 Waiver: NYS Health Equity Reform. https://care-compass.org/nysher-waiver-terms-and-acronyms/

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

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Developing Primary Care Population-Based Payment Models in Medicaid: A Primer For States (Center for Health Care Strategies)

This primer outlines six key design choices that state Medicaid programs should consider when developing or refining primary care population-based payment (PBP) models. These models aim to shift from volume-based, fee-for-service payments to predictable budgets that support population health management and flexible service delivery. The resource draws from examples of existing state and federal primary care PBP models, as well as models in the design phase, to illustrate the implications of these design choices, including their impact on health equity for patients and providers.​
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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2024

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Health-Related Social Needs in Medicaid: Helpful Toolkit for Screening (Center for Health Care Strategies)

This checklist assists state Medicaid agencies in developing or enhancing policies for screening health-related social needs (HRSN) among enrollees. It outlines key decision points and provides state examples to illustrate practical implementation strategies. The tool aims to help Medicaid programs effectively identify and address enrollees' social needs, thereby improving health outcomes and promoting health equity.​
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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2024

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