NORC at the University of Chicago is providing technical and analytical support to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for evaluation and monitoring of Medicaid Section 1115 demonstrations. Section 1115 of the Social Security Act gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to approve experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects that promote the objectives of the Medicaid program. The demonstrations give states additional flexibility to design and improve their programs while evaluating the impact of these demonstrations on serving Medicaid populations. NORC reviews state demonstration reports, evaluation designs, evaluation reports, and other reports to assess comprehensiveness and adherence to CMS requirements.  

To support CMS oversight of section 1115 demonstration evaluations, NORC has developed guidance for data collection, analysis, and reporting requirements to ensure that states’ evaluations are scientifically valid and inform progress in meeting CMS goals. NORC reviews states’ proposed evaluation designs to ensure a comprehensive, rigorous approach; and to recommend additional topic areas, research questions, and methodological considerations, as needed. NORC also reviews draft evaluation reports to assess and summarize states’ evaluation findings. To support CMS’ ongoing monitoring of Section 1115 demonstrations, NORC reviews states’ quarterly or annual progress reports, including those related to Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Programs.