This blog discusses single payer estimates, evidence, and potential risks.
This blog discusses Medicaid-funded tobacco cessation services and how federal rules will affect access for enrollees.
This blog shares three strategies for states to improve access to Food Is Medicine interventions in Medicaid through primary care.
This blog discusses recovery community organizations, how they're implemented, and lessons from implementation in Georgia.
This blog discusses how to engage stakeholders in the research process and avoid common pitfalls.
This blog discusses the complex landscape of public health, underlying stressors, and priority actions to support state and territorial readiness.
This blog discusses early insights and takeaways from national efforts to reduce youth substance use.
This blog discusses the Senate Finance Committee's request for information to reform U.S. health coverage, and considerations for people with diabetes to help inform policymaking.
This blog provides an overview of the White House Fraud Ledger and potential drawbacks, including misleading information.
This blog discusses how H.R. 1 will affect rural maternal health access and outcomes.
This blog discusses health insurance rates in the Current Population Survey’s Annual Social and Economic Supplement report and the impacts on data collection.
This blog discusses the Current Population Survey and potential gaps in data related to child uninsurance rates.
This blog discusses the financial pressures rural hospitals face and how Medicaid cuts will impact access to maternity care.
This blog discusses public awareness of Medicaid work reporting requirements and themes from state outreach efforts.
This blog discusses Head Start, the recent Notice of Proposed Rule Making, and its impact on children and families.
This blog discusses how North Dakota addressed its shortage of lead-certified contractors to prevent lead exposure in the state.
This blog reflects on how 9/11 shaped public health preparedness, the lessons learned, and remaining needs.
This blog shares how states are navigating AI use in healthcare, including legislative action and resources for policymakers.
This blog discusses the impact of federal immigration policy on older adults, people with disabilities, direct care workers, and their families.
This blog discusses upcoming changes to the maternity care billing structure and how Medicaid will be impacted in the states.
This blog discusses the declining rate of vaccinations for kindergarteners, reduced mandates on vaccines and reporting, and the implications for disease prevention in the states.
This blog shares perspectives from women, healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocates to understand how location impacts reproductive healthcare experiences, with fact sheets from 13 states.
This blog discusses state readiness for implementing Medicaid work reporting requirements based on Q1 2026 data.
This blog discusses health coverage trends for children under three, noting an increase of 113,000 uninsured infants and toddlers from 2022-2024.
This blog discusses healthcare ownership transparency, why it matters, and federal bills and policy considerations to improve oversight.
This blog discusses a proposal for a "Fair Pay, Fair Play" TPA to compete with dominant insurer TPAs.
This blog discusses how an executive order threatens children's health amid the worst measles outbreak in decades and challenges states' longstanding authority over vaccine policy.
This blog discusses how, in 28 states and D.C., all or nearly all custodial parents and caretaker relatives should be shielded from the work reporting requirements and why states should communicate that now.
This blog discusses new estimates finding that the Medicare Cost Cap Act's $5,000 cap would lower cost-sharing for more than 4 million enrollees while adding $36.2 billion to Medicare spending in one year.
This blog discusses what government AI policies share and the public health gaps they leave unaddressed.
This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how senior leadership teams can strengthen their collective capacity to address the challenges of leading a Medicaid agency.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and National Association of Medicaid Directors interviewed two members of the National Committee for Sustainable Medicaid and Public Health Partnerships to explore New Hampshire’s Medicaid-public health partnership and its impact on the state’s population.
This blog discusses hospital outpatient billing and state and federal action for reform, such as facility fee bans and billing transparency.
This blog discusses the recent voter rejection of two new Missouri ballot measures and the implications for other state legislatures, such as South Dakota.
This toolkit provides four key strategies to strengthen the Medicaid leadership pipeline.
This blog discusses public health leaders' approaches to successfully progressing data modernization in U.S. territories and freely associated states, which differs from mainland approaches.
This blog discusses how the federal ban on "noise confusion" will impact Census data and health policy research.
This blog discusses CMS' 2022-2025 report on NSA compliance and enforcement, highlighting the NSA effectively shields from surprise bills and potentially decreases out-of-pocket costs.
This blog discusses U.S. drug overdose rates, breaking down data by drug, demographic, and education.
This blog discusses declines in fatal drug overdose rates, including variations and trends by state and drug type.
This blog discusses employer-sponsored insurance rates, highlighting significant increases in premiums for family and individual plans.
This blog discusses the status of CMS Medicaid deferrals in California and Minnesota.
This blog summarizes the "MediKids Act," a bill proposed by Senator Kim to provide healthcare coverage for all children in the United States.
This blog discusses what essential health benefits are, their protections, and future rulemaking.
While states are expanding diabetes care, this blog notes that there are still barriers to accessing life-changing technologies.
This resource tracks terminated AHRQ grants and the states, people, and communities impacted.
This blog discusses DHS' recent final rule on public charge and its impact on the health and wellbeing of lawfully present immigrants and their children.
This blog explores Minnesota residents' concerns about losing coverage from 2019 to 2025, by coverage type.
This blog provides an overview of the definition of chronic disease, chronic illness and chronic condition, risk factors, and prevalence in the United States, nationally, by state and by subpopulation.
This blog examines CMS' proposed rule on provider taxes and how it will affect state Medicaid spending.
This blog shares how Medicaid directors in Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin are creating intentional practices that foster a culture that values member feedback and turns listening into action.
This blog discusses Data Marketing Partnership v. Department of Labor and the impact a settlement could have on consumer coverage, individual market premiums, and state insurance oversight.
This blog discusses opportunities to expand access to CHWs through Medicaid and Medicare coverage, with a state example.
This blog discusses Colorado's statewide suicide prevention program and its funding, evaluation, and promising results.
This blog discusses CMS' interim final rule on medical frailty and its impact on those with substance-use disorders and mental health conditions.
This blog discusses how public health agencies can partner with communities to prevent and address drivers of youth substance abuse, with examples.
This blog shares findings from a survey to better understand differential treatment in healthcare settings, finding nearly half of all Minnesota residents experienced healthcare discrimination.
This blog discusses Medicaid provider revalidation and how states like Minnesota are screening providers.
This blog discusses the challenges affecting rural Medicaid enrollees who rely on local mail delivery that could face compliance challenges with Medicaid work reporting requirements.
This blog discusses healthcare transaction oversight and specific state strategies for oversight authority.
This blog analyzes the request for information and outlines EHB considerations.
This blog discusses the cyclosporiasis outbreak, its symptoms and treatment, the public health response, and guidance for prevention.
This blog analyzes effective public health communications on STIs and opportunities for improvement.
This blog discusses the workforce landscape within public health preparedness and policy and funding considerations for staff retention.
This blog discusses where state health agencies can help prevent adverse childhood experiences by utilizing data.
This blog discusses the state variation in Medicaid HBCS Waivers and strategies to advocate for waiver services.
This blog discusses the importance of NIS data and 2024 flu vaccination trends for children.
This blog discusses how National Academy for State Health Policy's model legislation can assist states in referencing Medicare maximum fair prices for market reimbursement rates and savings on prescription drugs.
This blog discusses how states have approached implementing H.R.1 policies, including adoption of work reporting requirements and changes to immigrant eligibility.
This blog discusses CMS' interim final rule regarding medical frailty and the recent complaint states have filed to prevent the implementation of its provisions.
This blog discusses the success of the CCBHC Medicaid demonstration, the ten newly added states, and the potential impacts of H.R.1.
This blog discusses how states and children's advocates can protect young children from losing health coverage.
This blog discusses the new federal guidance regarding budget neutrality requirement for Medicaid section 1115 demonstrations.
This blog explains medical-dental integration, the policy landscape, and what it can look like in practice.
This blog discusses evidence-based approaches for fall prevention with state examples of implementation.
This blog discusses learnings from states that are making progress in reducing the rates of overdose deaths and expanding access to recovery services.
This blog discusses the CMS' interim rule on work reporting requirements and discrepancies in medical frailty definitions.
This blog discusses the large decline in CHIP enrollment and the ten states experiencing the largest absolute declines.
This blog discusses potential challenges to and the fate of the Johnson Amendment and the impact on public health.
This blog provides an overview CMS' updated guidance for EPSDT, what it covers, and its limitations.
This blog provides initial 2027 proposed Marketplace rate increases and discusses insurance carrier exits and federal policies that have impacted these rates.
This blog discusses telehealth's role in expanding access to school-based health interventions, including care models and considerations for policy and funding.
This blog discusses the current Medicaid drug landscape and how leaders can navigate shifting pharmacy strategies in Medicaid.
This blog discusses the structural barriers to oral health and opportunities to leverage Medicaid to expand access to rural communities.
This blog provides insights on AI implementation in public health departments based on findings from Minnesota's Department of Health.
This blog is a nonpartisan examination of federal Medicaid work requirements, Medicaid frailty exemptions, and the impact on coverage loss and employment outcomes.
This blog discusses how the National Diabetes Prevention Program can be leveraged to prevent diabetes and manage care costs for Medicaid enrollees.
This blog discusses the importance of education and healthcare sectors on U.S. economies and how they can be leveraged to advance community goals.
This blog utilizes state data to explain the intersection of housing affordability and health outcomes.
This blog discusses the climbing rate of uninsurance for children under six and how children and families may be impacted by new federal and state policies.
This blog discusses the proposed and final Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters for 2027 and its impact on insurance regulators and Marketplaces.
This blog discusses Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) implemented a primary care population-based payment model to improve patients’ experience and quality of care.
This blog discusses the importance of broadband internet access as work requirements are implemented, and programs that address the digital divide.
This blog explains the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule regarding state directed and fee-for-service payments.
This blog discusses the implications of the drop in child enrollment to Medicaid and CHIP and how it compares to previous years.
This blog shares how Kentucky's public health agencies established collaborative relationships with healthcare partners to better respond to public health emergencies.
This blog summarizes NASEM's report, including high priority services and recommendations for federal action to reduce pregnancy-related cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
This blog discusses how Kansas legislature updated state law to fix the CHIP household income eligibility threshold and ensure health coverage for eligible children.
This blog discusses United Health Group, Elevance, CVSHealth/Aetna, and Centene enrollment data, reporting an average 3.8% decline in Medicaid enrollment for the first quarter.
This blog discusses the CMS deferral process and the large-scale deferral of California's Medicaid funding, comparing to Minnesota's pending deferral.
This blog discusses hantavirus, its risk to the public, the health response, and the role of state and local health departments in infectious disease outbreaks.
This blog discusses the success of Health Data for Action, such as supporting data integration and contributing to policy discussions.
This blog discusses the value and impact of community-led research on meeting specific community needs and elevating lived experiences for change.
This blog shares states' progress on notifying residents of Medicaid work reporting requirements.
This blog discusses the impact of work reporting requirements on child enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP and potential drawbacks of early implementation in states like Arkansas, Montana, and Nebraska.
This blog explains vertical integration; its impact on consumers, employers, and clinicians; and federal bills designed to reduce market concentration.
This blog explains the differences between telehealth, telemedicine, and telecare and the benefits and limitations of virtual care.
This blog discusses utilizing early intervention support services also known as coordinated specialty care to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote recovery for early-episode psychosis.
This blog discusses the research that helped implement actionable policy for monthly insulin caps for Medicare patients, improving access to diabetes care and affordability.
This blog discusses strategies to alleviate some of the H.R.1 funding cuts and ensure children maintain access to Medicaid and food assistance through school programs.
This commentary shares how Medicaid coverage enables Nicholas to work, participate in his community, and receive necessary services for his autism spectrum disorder.
This blog shares findings from the National Health Interview Survey, including rates of uninsurance and insurance.
This blog examines public comments from healthcare providers, hospital associations, physician organizations, and safety-net providers submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in response to the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters.
This blog discusses various ways health departments can use wastewater surveillance to track and protect community health, such as the detection of arboviruses.
This blog examines public comments from consumer and patient advocate organizations submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters.
This blog examines public comments state departments of insurance, state-based Marketplaces, and other representative associations submitted to CMS in regard to the proposed 2027 rule.
This blog discusses the renewed ACIP charter and the changes it implements to the committee.
This blog discusses hardship exemptions and the process for states to offer them to those living in areas with high unemployment rates as they implement work requirements.
This blog analyzes T-MSIS race and ethnicity data and indicates levels of concern by state.
This blog discusses the Consolidated Appropriations Act, its effect, and the new national provider identifier requirement.
This blog offers opportunities for states to expand access to continuous glucose monitors.
This blog explains and tracks forgone care from 2021 through 2024.
This blog discusses birthright citizenship, Trump v. Barbara, and its impact on access to care for newborns who qualify for Medicaid.
This blog discusses Minnesota v. Oz and the impact of the federal decision on Minnesota and other states.
This blog discusses Medicaid fraud and ongoing state efforts to mitigate it.
This blog outlines how parents and caretakers under Section 1931 will be impacted by Medicaid work reporting requirements.
This blog discusses the importance of protecting pregnant and postpartum women when developing work requirement exemption processes and recommendations for states.
This blog explains the drivers for site-neutrality payment reform and offers four domains to develop site-neutral policy.
This blog examines public comments health insurers, brokers, and other stakeholders submitted to CMS in regard to the proposed 2027 rule.
In this blog post, Georgetown Center on Health Insurance Reforms researchers provide context about recent federal price transparency efforts and summarize the major changes being proposed in the new Transparency in Coverage amendment.
This blog post offers an early look at publicly available IDR data from the first two quarters of 2025.
This blog post shares how North Dakota's medical cache and cross-sector partnerships strengthen healthcare readiness and support response efforts across a largely rural state.
This blog post shares the importance of administrative readiness and key strategies leaders can use to respond to public health issues.
This blog discusses Pima County, AZ's journey to data modernization and offers lessons for other health departments working to strengthen relationships with IT partners.
In the lead up to the November 5th application deadline, Georgetown's Center for Children and Families explored how the RHT program can help states fund maternal health initiatives.
his blog shares a fact sheet explaining how 2027 NBPP proposals intersect with existing statutory requirements and recent judicial decisions.
This blog discusses how recent state legislative policies supporting ACEs prevention strategies address upstream issues by promoting stable housing, improving the environment in which children live, and implementing teacher training policies.
This blog looks at states' targeted primary care priorities in their Rural Health Transformation program applications and outlines key themes in state plans.
This blog post highlights how strengthening the CHW workforce and reimbursing CHW services covered by Medicaid using new federal funds can contribute to improving healthcare in rural areas.
This blog posts tracks Medicaid-related bills that are under consideration in ten state legislative sessions.
This blog post highlights the decrease in prenatal care during the first trimester from 2021-2024 and takes a look at the state of prenatal care in Florida, Virginia, and New Hampshire.
This blog post discusses how non-network plans would violate ACA requirements and destabilize marketplaces, leaving consumers with fewer and more expensive coverage options.
This blog post discusses the Association of State and Territorial Health Official's nine-month learning collaborative, which offered support to help island health departments strengthen their workforce planning efforts.
This blog shows how Pennsylvania improved youth mental health with steps other states can replicate.
This blog discusses the increase in Minnesota's uninsurance rate from 2023 through 2025, highlighting the disparities and concerns in coverage.
This blog discusses surprise bills for ambulatory services and recommends reforms to address it.
This blog outlines how community-based organizations can best support Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Councils and considerations for engaging with community partners.
This blog discusses the importance of Community Impact Statements, tips for writing them, and common challenges.
This blog discusses the major policies that could go into effect for the 2027 plan year, the changes outlined in CMS' proposed rule, and other considerations for states.
This blog explains Medicare reimbursement for hospitals with varying classifications and current policy debates at the state and federal level.
This blog discusses how states are approaching medical debt and protecting patients from financial harm.
This blog discusses the cost of measles outbreaks, their impacts on public health agencies, and prevention strategies.
This blog highlights Medicaid/CHIP enrollment by state as well as trends for children, adults, and Medicaid expansion adults where applicable.
This blog post reviews the status of SOGI data in federal surveys and programs.
This blog explains the key differences between FPG and FPL guidelines and provides the current values of the two based on family size and household makeup.
This blog shares findings of CHW cost-effectiveness captured from South Dakota's analysis of Medicaid claims data.
Despite federal assurances that people with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid will not lose or experience coverage changes as a result of H.R.1, some states expect service disruptions. This blog shares survey insights into how states are preparing for potential funding reductions to disability services and where they anticipate challenges.
This blog shares approaches that public health agencies are using to better manage public health grants, including reorganizing or centralizing grants management practices; replacing manual or paper grant processes with electronic systems; and improving processes, oversight, and subgrantee monitoring.
This blog discusses the potential topics of the upcoming State of the Union and the problem impacting healthcare affordability.
This blog offers a variety of reforms and strategies for state policymakers to use in healthcare affordability efforts such as billing regulation and price transparency.
This blog discusses the importance of community health workers and how they are incorporated in states' Rural Health Transformation Plans, with state examples.
This blog discusses states' development of multisector plans on aging to meet consumer needs as reconciliation's changes go into effect.
This blog outlines strategies leaders can employ to reduce or eliminate healthcare performance gaps.
This blog announces the launch of the National Academy for State Health Policy's legislative healthcare cost and payment reform tracking for the year.
This blog shares the impact and limitations of cost-growth benchmarks and recommendations for states to contain healthcare prices and improve affordability.
This blog discusses the importance of Medicare-covered telehealth services and the benefits of extending coverage of these services.
This blog discusses CMS negotiation of Medicare Maximum Fair Prices and its impact on state healthcare spending.
This blog discusses the effectiveness of mobile health and how states plan on implementing mobile health initiatives in their Rural Health Transformation Program applications.
This blog highlights why aligning coverage with evidence-based standards matters for better health outcomes.
This blog discusses potential approaches public health agencies may consider when developing or refining regulations for newly legalized substances.
This blog provides a TAF Analysis Reporting Checklist to assist researchers in conducting and reporting studies using TAF data.
This blog discusses the House Republican Study Committee's plan proposals, such as delaying Medicaid/CHIP coverage where citizenship status is not initially available and prohibiting Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care.
This blog discusses Marketplace enrollment declines and the impact on healthcare affordability.
This blog provides state Medicaid agencies with an at-a-glance overview of the CMS Innovation Center's models including target populations, implications for Medicaid, and more.
This blog discusses the importance of elimination status and response strategies for public health agencies to prevent the spread of measles.
This blog discusses ways states are considering alternate payment models to strengthen primary care for people enrolled in Medicaid.
This blog discusses state opportunities, trends, expenditures, and enrollment for Medicaid long-term services rebalancing to shift toward home- and community-based services.
This blog discusses federal health data preservation efforts and shares examples of data resources currently filling the gaps.
This blog discusses two recently announced federal programs aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, their goals, and considerations for states.
This blog discusses federal vaccine recommendations and how states are ensuring access to preventive care.
This blog discusses the key changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and its implementation in federal and state programs.
This blog shares two leadership models that policy professionals and health leaders can utilize to support teams and navigate ambiguity.
This blog proposes three ways to improve health departments' safety efforts to prevent dialysis-related infections.
This blog discusses two key data sources to inform policy decisions: the Household Pulse Survey and the Household Trends and Outlook Survey.
This blog discusses key themes from state RHT Program applications, program awards, and next steps.
This blog discusses how state investment into home- and community-based services can enable children and youth with behavioral health needs to thrive.
This blog discusses the impact of peer support workers and recommendations for embedding and supporting them across care settings.
The Patients Deserve Price Transparency Act aims to improve billing-related information, increase employer access to sponsored health plan information, and build on existing federal transparency regulations.
This blog explains the impact of prior authorization on healthcare spending and discusses federal and state policy actions for reform.
This blog discusses existing protections and other policy reforms state policymakers can consider to protect consumers from costly and unpredictable facility fees.
This blog explains the Wraparound approach for care planning and coordination for children, youth, and their families.
This blog discusses Congressional proposals to extend or replace the enhanced premium tax credits and implications for consumers.
This blog provides state examples of utilizing Medicaid intermediaries to support the infrastructure and capacity of community-based organizations.
This blog discusses state actions following ACIP's recent recommendations for birth dose hepatitis B vaccinations, and considerations if the CDC adopts those recommendations.
This blog shares six questions for federal policymakers to consider as the Administration prepares to release its proposal for extending the enhanced premium tax credits.
This blog discusses premature death data and the strengths and limitations of utilizing it as a public health measure.
This blog shares state approaches for successful hospital price regulation to curtail spending growth and improve healthcare affordability.
This blog documents the expected 2025 data releases from various federal health-related surveys and the data's current status.
This blog shares state approaches for hospital oversight, including price regulation and ownership transparency, to examine opportunities for healthcare affordability.
This blog discusses how PACE can be utilized to support rural communities.
This blog discusses state and federal policies that impact telehealth services.
This blog guides policymakers on how to craft effective reforms to reduce hospital prices.
This blog discusses the impact of health insurance versus paying for care.
This blog discusses barriers to mental healthcare, such as cost barriers, with a state example.
This blog discusses recent federal health policies and their effect on enrollment, health costs, and Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements.
This blog offers three steps for states to integrate evaluation processes into Beneficiary Advisory Council efforts.
This blog discusses the impact of partnering with birthing hospitals to prevent RSV in infants through the Vaccines for Children program.
This blog explains opioid use disorder, medications, and considerations for access to care.
This blog discusses how to enhance state partnerships, leverage data, and strengthen messaging to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and improve health outcomes.
This blog offers four strategies to address the health coverage gap for childcare workers.
This blog discusses the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act and the strategies it uses to address certain healthcare challenges.
This blog discusses the state of child mental health and the benefits of early childhood mental health consultation.
This blog analyzes health insurance coverage data, highlighting an increase in uninsurance for children in low-income households.
This blog discusses trends in state Medicaid approaches, legislation, and community health worker policies.
This blog shares insights on monitoring outpatient facility fees with state examples.
This blog discusses new changes to Marketplace enrollment and coverage due to federal policies, including reduced eligibility, affordability, and enrollment assistance.
This blog discusses the effects of not extending the enhanced premium tax credits, such as increased premiums and coverage losses.
This blog offers strategies for improving Medicaid services for people with disabilities to reduce disparities.
This blog discusses how to deploy CHW-led interventions in pediatric care.
This blog examines how Vermont's health department, and other agencies facing evolving funding and technology opportunities, can leverage the state's Data Modernization Advisory Committee to prioritize projects and communicate with partners about data modernization efforts.
This blog highlights six lessons from listening sessions with CAB members and Urban researchers for other organizations seeking to partner with or strengthen a community advisory board.
This blog discuss the administrative hurdles to accessing marketplace coverage imposed by H.R.1 and the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability rule, which are expected to increase the number of uninsured people living in the United States.
This blog post explores how states are expanding access to continuous glucose monitoring for pregnant people.
This blog shares strategies the Environmental Health Disease Prevention Program implemented to strengthen its food safety program and adopt its first FDA Food Code.
This blog shares perspectives from and strategies employed in North Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia to improve access to care in rural communities.
This blog discusses care models to help address and manage depression in older adults.
This blog focuses on strengthening existing public health systems through measuring progress, collaborating, and mobilizing stakeholders.
This blog discusses the implications of the 2025 SCOTUS ruling on coverage of preventive services.
This blog discusses the value of community partnerships in creating proactive approaches that minimize harm, prevent the spread of disease, and promote public health.
This blog discusses challenges and strategies for integrating community voice and engagement into the development of Medicaid policies.
This blog tracks state activity related to the Rural Health Transformation Program.
This blog offers strategies for recruitment and outreach for Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Councils.
This blog discusses the federal, child and adolescent health surveys and their importance in developing public health solutions and addressing emerging concerns.
This blog shares best practices for improving procurement, accountability, and collaboration through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant.
This blog explains how Tennessee and Connecticut are using the Public Health Infrastructure Grant to advance public health.
This blog explains the importance of data in creating effective, evidence-based policy.
This blog discusses establishing legislation for hospital consolidation oversight with a state example.
This blog shares forward-looking extreme weather preparedness policies that could boost community resilience, protect public health, and modernize emergency responses across the United States.
This blog discusses a new report from Georgetown's Center for Children and Families, which analyzes states' compliance with certain Medicaid performance indicators to assess their readiness for implementing work requirements and provisions in the budget reconciliation bill.
This blog discusses how enrollees will face higher premiums and cost-sharing responsibilities should enhanced premium tax credits expire following the budget reconciliation bill's passage.
This blog describes the Rural Health Transformation Program, its requirements, and recommendations for states.
This blog discusses opportunities for states to connect enrollees with employment and supports to maintain coverage.
This blog discusses expanding children's access to preventive services through Medicaid and school-based health services.
This blog discusses data's role in creating policy change for insulin costs and shares recommendations for researchers.
This blog discusses the unique disparities LGBTQ+ community members face and the importance of data to improve health outcomes.
This blog explains the importance of public data collection and offers opportunities to fill data gaps.
This blog explores how healthcare markets shift with increased pricing transparency and its implications.
This blog provides strategies to strengthen Beneficiary Advisory Councils with state examples.
This blog discusses the major Marketplace changes included in the reconciliation law and their impact.
This blog explains common health insurance terminology to improve consumer understanding.
This blog explores state and federal actions to address the MAHA Commission's top drivers of chronic disease.
This blog offers public health strategies to improve Black maternal health outcomes.
This blog explains the role of ownership transparency in healthcare with state examples.
This blog explains how OBBB cuts will affect Medicaid coverage for adults ages 18 to 24.
This blog discusses how to bridge gaps between data providers and researchers to make health data more accessible.
This blog explains Kentucky's removal of dental care from its proposed benchmark update, likely due to increased costs.
This blog shares the budget reconciliation's effect on diabetes coverage and treatment.
This blog discusses the progression of the Medicaid program in recognition of its 60th anniversary.
This blog discusses the impact of the reconciliation bill on families that utilize both Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This blog provides background on price transparency implementation and updates for health systems.
This blog provides strategies for state Medicaid agencies and primary care providers to improve access to disability-competent care.
This blog discusses the process of creating interjurisdictional immunization information system data exchange.
This blog discusses price transparency rules, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
This blog discusses how partnerships between communities and New Jersey county officials increased support for local behavioral health needs.
This blog discusses data collection modernization and its role in increasing disability data.
This blog discusses the key health provisions in the reconciliation bill and its implications.
This blog discusses the rise in use of independent resolution and its outcomes.
This blog discusses changes to CMS' Marketplace eligibility and enrollment systems.
This blog shares opportunities for states to leverage Medicaid to improve behavioral healthcare and outcomes.
This blog offers strategies to assist public health agencies as they prepare for and respond to emergencies.
This blog includes an interactive map for variations in dental coverage in health marketplaces across states.
This blog discusses the impact of the reconciliation bill and the expiration enhanced premium tax credits on rural hospitals.
This blog tracks state estimates for State-Based Marketplaces based on federal policy changes.
This blog provides findings for uninsurance rates and rates for private and public coverage in 2023 and 2024.
This blog provides survey results on resident perceptions of the Minnesota Medicaid program.
This blog provides an analysis of independent dispute resolution trends and potential implications for future use.
This blog explains countercyclical policies and its effect on Medicaid and economic spending.
This blog discusses how federal policy changes and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits are affecting 2026 insurance rates.
This blog compares the House and Senate budget reconciliation proposals for Marketplace enrollment.
This blog discusses strategies for effective public health communications to gain support from communities and policymakers.
This blog provides updated data on access to and use of healthcare services in 2023.
This blog provides strategies for state health agencies to reduce barriers to vaccination.
This blog summarizes Indiana's recently passed legislation and how it improves healthcare cost transparency.
This blog discusses the single policy clarification related to broker accountability in CMS’ Marketplace integrity proposal and identified straight-forward, yet thus-far overlooked, ways to curtail broker misconduct.
This blog examines the potential impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic case, which will determine whether people enrolled in Medicaid can sue to enforce the "free choice of provider" provision.
This blog discusses the benefits of forming Academic Health Department partnerships between public health practice and academic institutions and recommendations for building a shared vision through statewide collaborations.
This blog profiles Marketplace enrollees who would face obstacles in maintaining Marketplace coverage if the reconciliation bill becomes law.
This blog tracks state-specific impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts included in the reconciliation bill.
This blog shares the rationale behind the new administration's funding cuts and highlights the gravity of reducing the Navigator program and outreach and enrollment assistance.
This blog offers strategies to provide updates and answer questions in public health communications.
This blog provides continuous updates on state impacts for federal spending proposals, including the One Beautiful Bill Act.
This blog discusses potential policies slated for the budget reconciliation package, which limit enrollment and increase administrative barriers.
This blog addresses rising concerns of TPA practices and how policymakers can intervene.
This blog discusses the importance of community stories and lived experiences in systems change and reproductive care research.
This blog pinpoints stakeholder challenges with price data and offers strategies to improve them.
This blog uses state survey data to provide findings and recommendations on healthcare and insurance costs.
This blog discusses how the House of Representatives' May 2025 reconciliation bill would cause roughly 3 in 10 young adults ages 18 to 24 insured through Medicaid to lose coverage.
This blog examines the effects of bi-annual Medicaid redeterminations on enrollees, including reducing enrollees’ access to care, adding to enrollees’ paperwork hassles, and increasing administrative costs for state Medicaid agencies, health plans, and providers.
This blog discusses how potential Medicaid policy changes will impact young adults with diabetes as they transition from their parents' coverage.
This blog discusses the effects of medical debt on public health and tracks state efforts to reduce medical debt and/or prohibit reporting.
This blog discusses innovative crowdsourcing efforts that have emerged as a result of the new administration's modifications to or removal of public health surveillance data.
This blog discusses resources Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health developed to improve subrecipient monitoring.
This blog serves as a guidance to help public health agencies understand digital accessibility basics and promote accessible communications for the disability community.
This blog tracks state-specific impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts.
This blog analyses enrollment and participation in stand-alone dental plans through health Marketplaces and how state-specific policy decisions impacts them.
This blog discusses preventive services for infectious diseases covered by health insurance plans.
This blog discusses oral health and the importance of collaboration to prevent oral diseases.
This blog documents comments from insurance brokers, healthcare providers, consumers, state Marketplaces, and departments of insurance on CMS' proposed "Marketplace Integrity" rule.
This blog shares state Marketplace enrollment data and the impact of premium tax credits.
This blog uses Arkansas' work requirement program and national survey data to highlight the effects of Medicaid work requirements on coverage and enrollment.
This blog post analyzes potential state policy changes and the ten-year impact of Medicaid cuts.
This blog discusses marketplace policy changes for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and considerations for a proposed rule that could reverse this coverage.
This blog examines the impact of ACA protections on U.S. adults with pre-existing conditions.
This blog provides national and state-by-state estimates of key Medicaid cuts under consideration and advises states on how to use the data to inform and validate their Medicaid spending.
This blog highlights the effects of CFPB's final rule, including its impact on consumers.
This blog shares state-specific estimates of proposed Medicaid cuts.
This blog summarizes recent action on EHB updates and adult dental coverage and discusses operational considerations for states.
This blog discusses the development of "Food Is Medicine" interventions and how states can fund these programs through Medicaid.
This blog covers the key aspects of the OOA Final Rule and the business acumen for Areas Agencies on Aging to maximize funding.
This blog highlights key strategies to expand access to innovative health technology, including glucose monitors, to people with diabetes.
This blog discusses why families value Medicaid and how critical the program is for their health.
This blog covers the effects of cuts to CDC-funded public health initiatives and services.
This blog highlights the MHPAEA rule requirements for behavioral healthcare and use of “non-quantitative treatment limits."
This blog discusses the background and status of price transparency for healthcare services and the new executive order requirements.
This blog provides an overview on a bill passed in the House of Representatives to estimate the effects of implementing work requirements for Medicaid coverage.
This blog highlights four levers that states used to provide improved access to oral health services for Medicaid enrollees.
This blog discusses how states can support family caregivers and proposes improvements for state caregiving websites to increase awareness of services.
This blog discusses how proposed cuts to federal programs like Medicaid and SNAP could negatively affect families' access to necessities.
This blog discusses the effect of the "use in the home" policy on accessibility.
This blog shares how the AHRQ is critical to healthcare and providing quality care to patients.
This blog post covers information on the EBCI Tribal Option and its value-added services.
This blog examines potential changes if CMS implements proposed changes to ACA marketplace and insurance rules.
This blog highlights state health officials improving access to maternal care through participation in the National Academy for State Health Policy's Advancing State Strategies to Address Maternity Care Deserts Policy Academy.
This blog post covers the directives and implications for states in light of the recent executive directive.
This blog shares findings from mental health systems research and youth-led recommendations for improving policies in rural areas of North Carolina.
This blog post offers three options for state Medicaid agencies to proactively address enrollee needs during natural disasters along with state examples.
This blog highlights how health coverage improves health outcomes and financial security on health insurance enrollees.
This blog shares a report that provides a roadmap for states to design and maintain a successful rate review program.
This blog post shares the experiences of African American women in Mississippi to address local healthcare system issues.
This blog covers the implications of private-equity financial and operational decisions and policy reform to counteract decreased access to quality care as a result.
This report shares coverage trends for 2026-2035 for the five eligibility groups and impact on states if per capita caps are imposed.
This blog focuses on how Maryland's approach to planning improved resident engagement and achieved equity-driven initiatives.
This blog provides a checklist states can reference to establish and design effective BACs.
This blog shares the Medicaid Community Member Engagement Landscape Assessment Guide, a tool designed to help state Medicaid agencies systematically document existing efforts to engage community members.
This blog discusses the new updates to the tool, such as providing cost data for more than 4,500 hospitals from 2011-2023.
This blog outlines the regulations within the NBPP regarding fraudulent enrollment reductions and improvements to consumer plan choices.
This blog post documents relevant changes to coverage since the Medicaid unwinding, such as uninsurance rates by age.
This blog post discusses who may be impacted by changes to preventive care requirements and what states can do to protect residents' access to these services.
This blog reviews updated health data sets and measures, including a short explanation of the measure and its data source.
This blog post analyzes Oklahoma and South Carolina's approach to provider-based reference pricing and its benefits, such as significant savings for members and state taxpayers.
This blog post highlights how learning from families and youth can better support the millions of children and youth with special healthcare needs on Medicaid and CHIP.
This blog highlights how the updated complaints data report, qualifying payment amounts audit, and federal market reviews have shown that compliance with the NSA is effective.
Rising prices of hospital services and prescription drugs are outpacing the growth of other goods in the economy and contributing to the climbing healthcare costs. This blog highlights a range of strategies states used in 2024 to address high healthcare costs.
This blog summarizes changes made by the annual insurance rule, including requirements for marketplaces, regulations on QHPs, oversight enhancements, and annual modifications to the risk adjust program.
This webinar highlights outstanding challenges and suggests public and private actions that can improve the collection and use of race and ethnicity data.
This blog summarizes new guidance from CMS' updated SHO letter, specifically relating to CHIP.
This blog post summarizes states with approving and pending Medicaid 1115 waivers.
This blog post outlines the recent proposals to cut ACA funding and implications for ACA marketplaces.
This blog discusses how federal and state policy approaches can improve the expansion of electronic health records and health IT connecting community mental healthcare to the rest of the health system.
This blog explores the potential AI has to advance health research and care and the associated challenges and opportunities of its usage.
This guide provides a national overview of health insurance data and an interactive map of information about state agencies and coverage sources.
This blog examines how California, Massachusetts, and Vermont are leveraging Medicaid and Title V programs to ensure children living with a serious illness can access pediatric palliative care.
This blog examines the benefits of pro-competition reform in healthcare, such as innovation and better-value services.
This blog discusses how Medicaid payment for interpersonal consultation services improves behavioral health services provided to maternal and child populations.
This blog examines Rhode Island's oral health transformation approach and highlights strategies to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Medicaid enrollees.
In this blog post, SHVS summarizes CMS' latest Informational Bulletins and their requirements.
This blog examines ASTHO's role in supporting policy improvements in Missouri and how other health agencies are advancing policy efforts.
This blog details the newly added "Food Insecurity" measure to the State Health Compare tool from the State Health Access Data Assistance Center.
This blog reviews examples of state partnerships with public housing authorities (PHAs) that support public housing to improve health and social outcomes.
This blog interviews a researcher leading a project assessing the barriers to advancing and sustaining American Indian and Alaskan Native students in undergraduate medical and nursing education programs.
This blog explores how a community-based system dynamics methodology enables teams to understand and collaboratively address complex issues such as health equity.
This blog shares resources detailing how Medicaid, policymakers, plans, and healthcare providers increasingly engage community members to inform program design and implementation.
This blog reviews five examples of how Medicaid can contribute to improving outcomes for people in the criminal legal system.
This blog reviews how states are implementing strategies to address overlapping public health crises while tailoring to the unique needs of populations.
This blog reviews key strategies for effective planning and underscores planning as a foundational activity for resilient and adaptable health departments.
This blog reviews the key provisions of the proposed Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability (HTI-2) rule that may address public health data gaps to advance health equity and improve health outcomes.
This blog connects evidence and implementation resources with emerging state and federal policies about behavioral health to better support patients.
This blog offers insight into North Carolina’s medical debt relief incentive program and highlights opportunities for other states.
This blog reviews significant steps taken by states to strengthen their public health infrastructure by increasing funding critical for improvements, defining the core services that health departments should provide, and establishing public health standards.
This blog reviews several important policies and programmatic changes that could impact ACA Marketplace consumers next year.
This blog highlights the new Oregon Project Independence Medicaid (OPI-M) waiver, which allows more at-risk Medicaid-eligible older adults and people with disabilities to receive long-term services and supports.
This blog reviews the significance of promoting Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) awareness.
This blog reviews a discussion where multiple state agencies discuss ways to engage the community health worker (CHW) workforce for programs supporting justice-involved individuals.
This blog emphasizes the importance of the High-Value, Equitable Care Research Agenda on improving the quality of care for all.
This recently updated blog shares information from state and territorial health agencies about their experiences, advice, and best practices when responding to the public health concerns caused by hurricanes.
This blog reviews the new notice of funding opportunity for planning grants to state Medicaid and CHIP agencies to develop operational capabilities to support the continuity of care for individuals eligible for Medicaid and CHIP who have been incarcerated.
This blog examines how the lack of diversity within the healthcare workforce is a significant contributing factor to the high Black infant mortality rate across the nation.
This blog recaps an event where state officials gathered to emphasize the importance of ensuring access to services for youth involved in multiple systems, including behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
This blog reviews Oregon’s response to the state's increase in healthcare spending and provider consolidation through state oversight of health system transactions.
This blog shares insights from pediatric experts on what a transformed child health system might look like and why child health transformation is needed now more than ever.
This blog explores changes in national-level coverage rates by demographic characteristics such as age, employment, race and ethnicity, immigration status, poverty status, and Medicaid expansion status.
This blog reviews considerations for states weighing whether to add the the flexibility offered by CMS.
This blog reviews what CMS expects from states and how CMS will assess states' Medicaid/CHIP renewal progress to comply with the new requirements.
This blog examines CMS guidance to implement Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements.
This blog reviews the decided and upcoming cases in the U.S. Supreme Court impacting public health and how lower federal and state courts must apply the new precedents.
This blog examines the following steps to strengthen the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) in Medicaid and CHIP.
This blog reviews the benefits of extending premium tax credits (PTCs) and the drawbacks of delaying their extension.
This blog reviews recent survey data findings on how the insurance coverage of low-income children changed between 2022 and 2023 both nationally and at the state level.
This blog examines MODRN's early contributions to quality measurements and how it benefits states and university partners.
This blog examines how stockpiling has shaped recent state readiness legislation and state actions to bolster preparedness efforts through stockpiling.
This blog highlights the aftermath of the Medicaid unwinding and state efforts to smooth coverage transitions.
This blog explores state-level 988 data to uncover insights into how the 988 system is performing across various states nationwide.
This blog examines how state implementation choices will impact the success of multi-year continuous eligibility for children.
This blog walks through state-level findings regarding different types of health insurance and changes by age category.
Part 1 of this blog series provides an overview of health systems resiliency and the role of health services research in building a resilient health system.
The Tennessee lawsuit alleged four major types of failures by the state.
This blog details and provides resources on how the health sector can play a pivotal role in civic engagement by integrating voter registration into health services.
This dual-language toolkit provides families with information on Medicaid and CHIP and how to apply or re-apply.
This blog reviews how state governments and federal agencies are finding new ways to address the demand for behavioral health providers.
This blog post reviews and links to the CMCS Informational Bulletin (CIB) and accompanying slide deck.
This blog reviews how states can reference Maximum Fair Prices (MFPs) for broader savings.
This blog reviews recent legislation that would reshape public health’s legal authorities to address the spread of infectious disease.
This blog examines community-based assistance programs and resources in each state.
This blog explores the new integrated health partnership program and how it impacts communities in Minnesota.
This report reviews four states’ prior authorization policies for the commercial market, examines a range of state-level prior authorization reforms, and assesses how they affect patients, providers, and insurers.
This blog reviews the Government Accountability Office's (GOA) report entitled: “Medicaid: Federal Oversight of State Eligibility Redeterminations Should Reflect Lessons Learned after COVID-19.”
This blog shares insights, best practices, and implementation opportunities for reimbursement of community health worker (CHW) services from NASHP's CHW Learning Collaborative SPA workshop series.
This blog offers an overview of current disability data collection standards, including how states collect self-reported disability information on Medicaid applications.
This blog identifies state, territorial, and freely associated state health agencies’ (S/THAs) top current and emerging priorities across public health programs, infrastructure, and health equity and agency strategies to address them.
This blog reviews what can be anticipated from the upcoming release of the Census Bureau’s 2023 survey data in September based on current Medicaid unwinding statistics.
This blog highlights key details from the new resources published by the state of Tennessee to help stakeholders assist families who may be eligible for the new diaper benefit.
This blog highlights recent Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) policy developments.
This blog examines the assumptions and justifications behind the 2025 premium increases for individual and small-group market health plans in the District of Columbia (DC), Maine, Maryland, Oregon, and Vermont.
This blog reviews how to support and recognize community health workers and the work they do to improve public health.
This blog reviews how states can leverage the lessons learned from previous emergency response plans, such as those implemented during the Zika outbreak, to better prepare for future emergencies.
This blog examines CMS’s decision to post state Managed Care Program Annual Reports (MCPARs) and the transparency of continuing to do so going forward.
This blog offers insight and consideration for states as they implement sections 5121 and 5122 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA).
This blog examines community power building and underscores the pivotal role that public health professionals can have in achieving health equity.
This blog highlights current language and accessibility supports on state websites and suggests how states can make improvements.
This blog discusses how the proposed rule would establish baseline organizational standards, include emergency services requirements, and provide Medicaid reimbursement for certain services outside a clinic.
This blog reviews how adopting policies to advance state and local data sharing and incorporating health equity principles into these relationships can help public health agencies better identify and address data disparities, utilize resources effectively, and create an equity-centered public health data infrastructure.
This blog examines how community-based organizations (CBOs) and public health organizations can learn from the Office of Management and Budget’s work and from each other when considering equitable practices for collecting demographic data.
This blog examines what State Directed Payments are, how they can be used to improve access to care, and some changes in how CMS will allow and regulate them.
This blog reviews how many states across the nation are using videos to demonstrate helpful concepts related to enrolling in and renewing Medicaid and CHIP coverage.
This brief highlights key considerations to shape Medicaid policies that enhance health outcomes and quality of care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
This blog discusses how MCPs can partner with homeless service providers to enhance care and services for people experiencing homelessness.
This blog discusses how states are promoting primary care in commercial investment and through other state agencies, and steps other states consider as they focus on setting primary care investment targets.
This blog discusses the project's findings, which detailed that top concerns and stressors felt by parents and providers of young children were childcare, housing, and healthcare.
This blog discusses extended timelines for states to process Medicaid renewals, the importance of reporting renewal outcomes, and updates to renewal data.
This blog reviews tools and approaches developed and refined to center health and equity in policymaking.
This blog examines policies lawmakers are working on to determine the best path forward for delivering telehealth services throughout the United States.
This blog covers some of the quintessential outreach efforts performed by states to inform and educate individuals about Medicaid and CHIP benefits.
This blog summarizes the successful advocacy tactics employed by AcademyHealth and outlines the potential harm of CMS' data access restrictions policy.
This blog post shares insights from industry experts on resources states can use to build Medicare knowledge and effectively develop Medicaid-Medicare integrated models.
This blog reviews six key design choices in The Center for Health Care Strategies’ new resource, Developing Primary Care Population-Based Payment Models in Medicaid: A Primer For States.
This blog reviews state legislation to regulate outpatient facility fees.
This blog gives an overview of BHPs and examines the recent approval of New York's 1332 State Innovation Waiver to further expand its BHP.
This blog details why state agencies can and should post relevant enrollment and eligibility information on social media platforms to connect with those eligible for Medicaid/CHIP.
This blog examines new data on maternal mortality and disparities, and the tools states have available to help combat maternal mortality and morbidity before, during, and after pregnancy.
This blog reviews CMS marketplace enrollment data from February 2024, which was after the 2024 Open Enrollment Period had ended in nearly all states.
This blog outlines provisions of the final rule allowing DACA grantees to access Marketplace coverage and how DACA grantees will be affected by the new rule.
This blog reviews changes to the Medicaid and CHIP programs to streamline enrollment for eligible individuals.
This blog post highlights three key lessons for agencies to consider when embarking on an organizational development journey in Medicaid.
The first blog in this new series identifies landing pages for online Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace application portals in each state and links to the application that can be printed and returned by mail.
This blog introduces new resources about people with disabilities and improvements to AcademyHealth's Resource Hub to make it more accessible for all.
This blog examines five important public health state policy issues.
In this blog, experts share how organizations across the country are striving to implement systems to link clients to a diverse range of public health services and supports to address their specific challenges and help them succeed in different aspects of life.
This blog reviews changes to the Managed Care Rule, where the CMS updated the definition and oversight of ILOS in important ways that should both increase the flexibility to use ILOS as a tool for improving health and increase the integrity of ILOS spending.
This blog details the Beneficiary Advisory Councils (BACs) established by the rule representing a historic opportunity to leverage the experiences of people enrolled in Medicaid to improve state Medicaid programs.
This blog takes a closer look at the provisions of the rule relating to the adequacy of MCO provider networks: searchable provider directories, analyses of payments to network providers, appointment wait time standards, secret shopper surveys, and remedy plans.
This blog reviews new data on the share of children with Medicaid/CHIP coverage of more than 7,000 school districts nationwide and the importance these coverage programs have to students.
This inaugural post highlights state activity from March and April 2024.
This blog examines new data for January 2024, which was the last month of the 2024 Open Enrollment Period in nearly all states.
This blog shares state perspectives on addressing DEI and offers takeaways and lessons.
This blog examines the how PRISM helped Missouri achieve its goals through exemplifying a proactive approach to addressing critical maternal health challenges.
This blog post reviews existing regulations on nursing home staffing and breaks down CMS’ new staffing requirements, including how states will need to respond.
This blog provides a high-level summary of the Managed Care Rule.
This blog reviews resources from national subject matter experts and three areas of policy: payment and financing mechanisms, data-driven policies, and cross-sector collaboration.
This blog reviews the many positive impacts community health workers can have on the communities they serve.
This blog uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to track trends in adult health insurance coverage rates as states “unwind” Medicaid continuous coverage and restart standard redetermination procedures.
This blog emphasizes the importance of including PWLEs in research and data collection.
This blog reviews new projects addressing the strategic aims of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to gain a nuanced understanding of the behavioral health practitioner workforce.
This blog review TAC's newest resource, an FAQ page, and updates from the center.
This blog examines research on continuous Medicaid coverage and mental health among mothers and infants in the postpartum year.
This blog offers guiding principles state agencies can implement to meet the new federal requirements and integrate Medicaid members into the policymaking and program design process effectively and equitably.
This blog examines which states nationwide have taken steps toward Medicaid coverage for doula care.
This blog discusses the implications of the final rule for state regulators.
This blog examines increases in Marketplace enrollment among people losing Medicaid coverage during the unwinding.
Recognizing the critical link between health and transportation, many states are encouraging agencies to strategically align resources. This blog explores cross-sector collaborations related to access to care and highlights several promising examples from across the country.
One of the proposed changes to the federal regulations that govern the ACA would permit states to require the coverage of adult dental services. This blog reviews comments submitted in response to the proposed 2025 Notice of Benefits and Payers Parameters by select stakeholder groups.
This blog tracks trends in adult health insurance coverage rates as states “unwind” the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement.
This blog examines the first batch of call center data provided by CMS from March and its shortcomings.
In this blog, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials contributors offer solutions for public health agencies to address burnout and improve retention among workers.
In this blog, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families analyzes recent survey findings regarding the impact of Medicaid unwinding and enrollees' experiences.
In this blog, The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families outlines and expands on the 10 "Do Nots" outlined in the bulletin.
This expert perspective reviews the healthcare policies and programs recently funded by Congress for FY 2024 as well as the Biden administration’s stated healthcare priorities for FY 2025.
In this blog, the Center for Health Care Strategies examines how state agencies employ health literacy strategies to improve health equity.
A new Health Affairs blog describes the cultural shift in Medicaid managed care post-COVID-19 to address the social needs of enrollees.
The Center for Children and Families (CCF) at Georgetown University analyzed data on which states are taking longer than the federally regulated 45 days to process Medicaid applications for low-income children, families, and adults. This blog takes a look at some of the states taking longer than their allotted 45 days and the possible reasons behind it.
In this blog CCF analyzes CMS data on marketplace enrollment from November, 2023.
This blog outlines vaccine coverage and payment policies for Medicaid and CHIP, and outlines strategies states can take to boost vaccine rates for children
This blog highlights proposed key steps that must be taken to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
This blog discusses resources to help state Medicaid leaders partner to connect more program enrollees with the WIC benefits they are qualified to receive.
This blog tracks trends in adult health insurance coverage rates as states unwind the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement and continue redetermination procedures.
This webinar reviews how and why the tools were created and how to use the tools to understand the scope of equity work for a state agency.
This blog highlights an interview that shares STRETCH representatives' experiences and how the opportunity guided health equity initiatives and provided valuable networking and connection.
This blog discusses action on prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as action to stop fentanyl trafficking.
This blog highlights updated measures using new ACS and CPS data.
CMS released an updated State Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit on issues from billing best practices to strategies for using telehealth in schools. This blog shares a toolkit that includes state best practices and strategies, information such as a state checklist, a Medicaid telehealth assessment plan, and telehealth communication strategies.
This blog discusses how programs that support lactation professionals can support Black women beyond delivery.
This blog shares a “Medicaid Churn Toolkit” to guide Medicaid agencies and their partners in the design and implementation of efforts to reduce churn.
This blog discusses the surge in Marketplace enrollment among individuals losing coverage during the unwinding.
This blog examines how gaps in coverage are affecting California families, particularly those that have children with special healthcare needs, and steps the state can take to renew coverage for more families.
This blog examines state and territorial health agencies strategies, and state approaches during the unwinding of continuous coverage.
This blog shares a brief from the Commonwealth Fund, which reviews policy decisions by state-run Marketplaces and the federally facilitated Marketplace.
This blog compared states' ex parte rates from their first month of unwinding to the most recent to identify whether progress has been made.
This blog examines a Q&A, which is intended to serve as an added resource for states implementing continuous eligibility.
In this blog, CHIR shares findings from a 50-state assessment of insurance department authority to conduct rate review.
This blog presents annual, state-level vaccination rates for children aged 35 months, specifically the percentage of those children who received the full series of recommended vaccines.
This blog examines the use of AI and legislation focused on its impact on healthcare and public health.
This blog shares how partnerships between pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology can promote access to risk-appropriate care and create a stronger continuity of care for parents and their children.
This blog discusses how Benefit Data Trust's policy team is supporting seven agencies to simplify the SNAP application process for families and individuals and community-based organizations that assist state agencies in screening and enrolling applicants by phone.
This blog discusses a report that recommends steps state Medicaid agencies can take to address mental health among mothers and infants in the postpartum year, highlighting recent federal actions with implications for state action.
This blog highlights findings from a rapid message test conducted to gauge the persuasiveness of Medicaid renewal message themes.
This blog discusses how policymakers are addressing access to care through telehealth, safety net and emergency services, and adjusted reimbursement rates to Medicaid-enrolled providers.
This blog reviews FAQs from the Georgetown Center on Health Insurance Reforms' Navigator Resource Guide related to the conclusion of the annual open enrollment period.
This blog discusses how organizations can integrate trauma-responsiveness into leadership practice.
This blog discusses market reforms, Marketplace standards, and Advance Premium Tax Credit Policies in relation to HHS' 2025 Payment Rule.
On December 18, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a suite of Medicaid unwinding-related guidance and enrollment data that includes a focus on ensuring eligible children maintain Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. In conjunction with CMS’ release, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent letters to the governors of nine states with the highest child disenrollment rates.
This blog from State Health & Value Strategies reviews the HHS letters and discusses specific resources available to states as the unwinding continues.
This blog from State Health & Value Strategies (SHVS) examines new HRSN highlights from states across the country and reviews recent updates to SHVS' HRSN Toolkit.
This blog examines states' unwinding data, variation in reporting of indicators, and data dashboards.
This blog explores a few frequently asked questions about Marketplace coverage issues that LGBTQI+ individuals may face.
This blog highlights a new Commonwealth Fund post, which assesses the status of state efforts to smooth coverage transitions during the unwinding and discusses the need for more timely and accurate data.
This blog reviews SBMs reporting of Marketplace transition outcome data, state variations in reporting, and considerations for presenting outcomes data.
This blog highlights new and innovative initiatives being implemented during the plan year 2024 OEP.
This blog provides infection control strategies public health leaders can adopt during respiratory disease season.
This blog shares stories from public sector leaders across the country as they navigate day-to-day operations.
The ways we collect, manage, analyze, and share data used for healthcare and public health decision-making have advanced considerably over the past decade. However, with the implementation of a new, voluntary approach for health data exchange later this year, that burden could be lessened. Later this year, healthcare entities can begin sharing health data under the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, also known as TEFCA.
This blog shares how community members and state Medicaid programs can strengthen partnerships to improve care and meet federal requirements.
This blog uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to track trends in adult health insurance coverage rates during the unwinding.
This blog examines CMS' fourth release of state data reporting metrics, which includes information on Marketplace enrollment transitions.
Using state data, this continually-updated blog analyzes the current state of the unwinding and identifies state-based based best practices and trends.
This blog discusses strategies to include people living with disabilities in the public health workforce and help the current workforce focus through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
This blog examines eligibility requirements for individuals interested in Marketplace coverage.
This blog discusses the impact of the Public Health Equity Corps fellowship on the public health workforce and its influence on state health agencies.
This blog examines the federal oversight of JUUL and how states can harness settlement funds for effective tobacco control measures.
This blog summarizes key takeaways regarding the inclusion of maternal and child health in infectious disease emergency preparedness and response in states and territories.
This blog highlights a new Commonwealth Fund brief, which documents the policies and practices State Based Marketplaces have implemented to facilitate access to health insurance information for Limited English Proficiency individuals and otherwise meet their needs.
This blog examines SHADAC's 2022 ACS table in comparison to 2021.
This blog offers guidance to help healthcare organizations develop appropriate compensation practices for community members.
This blog summarizes a number of new and ongoing policy changes that will impact the Marketplace as the annual open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage kicks off November 1 in most states.
This blog uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to track trends in adult health insurance coverage rates amid the unwinding.
This blog shares new CMS data on Marketplace enrollment and transitions, and separate CHIP enrollment.
This blog examines variations in states' reporting of indicators and data highlights.
This blog builds on the webinar by outlining key recommendations to maintain diversity and foster inclusion in college admissions and the workforce.
This blog reviews and shares resources from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials' healthy aging portfolio, along with a roadmap state officials can utilize to promote brain health.
This blog discusses federal and state legislative efforts and recommendations for improving infant mental health.
This blog reviews how Medicaid programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have engaged with commercial payers, providers, patients, advocates and other parties to create and adhere to multi-payer aligned measure sets.
This blog examines actions states are taking to fill in the gaps when it comes to protecting residents from medical debt.
This blog discusses how the STRETCH convenings left state teams with tools to help them advance their health equity work.
This blog examines the current slate of proposals to reform abusive billing practices in the commercial market.
This blog provides a high-level overview of key provisions included in the final rule that will facilitate enrollment and retention of Medicare Savings Program coverage.
This blog uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to track trends in adult health insurance coverage rates as states “unwind” the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement.
This blog examines New York and Minnesota’s experiences with the BHP and lessons for its design and implementation in other states.
This blog examines how public health leaders can improve tobacco control through incremental changes, appeals to science, and partnerships with thought leaders.
This blog discusses states' approaches to support coverage through the unwinding period.
This paper examines the coverage and cost implications of expanding Medicare Part B to include comprehensive dental benefits.
This blog examines how public health leaders are preparing to prevent illness from all three viruses with approved vaccines and preventative antibody treatments.
This blog shares a new report that offers policy recommendations to ensure new mothers are able to access coverage and high-quality care during the postpartum period.
This blog highlights national and state-level changes that took place between 2021 and 2022 in the broadest categories of insurance.
The policies discussed in this blog demonstrate how policymakers and health agencies can collaborate to better serve communities after emergencies.
In this blog, ASTHO's Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health scholars share insights on how the data modernization initiative and diversity, equity, and inclusion intersect with public health.
In this blog and infographic, SHADAC researchers use recently released data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Insurance Component (MEPS-IC) to analyze private-sector ESI and provide an initial snapshot of estimates for 2022 on a national level and within the states.
This blog shares new precise and granular estimates for smaller racial and ethnic subpopulation groups that often are under-researched in ACE studies due to data limitations.
This blog discusses available options states can adopt to improve ex parte rates.
This blog explores how, under the Advancing Integrated Models (AIM) initiative, the Center for Health Care Strategies supported eight healthcare provider organizations in piloting person-centered approaches to care for people with complex health and social needs.
This blog shares findings from a report that sheds light on HCMs.
This blog shares data on how states are monitoring the impacts of the resumption of eligibility redeterminations and disenrollments.
This blog examines actions states can take to increase access to care for substance use disorder among pregnant and postpartum people.
This blog tracks trends in adult health insurance coverage rates as states “unwind” the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement.
The blog explores why improving collection of and access to high-quality data is imperative in helping policymakers understand and develop effective solutions to address mechanisms that lead to poor maternal health outcomes.
This blog shares the steps federal and state policymakers have taken to eliminate PFAS from ground water and drinking water and to mitigate exposure to these forever chemicals.
This blog includes takeaways from an ASTHO technical package, summarizing a select group of related interventions that, taken together, help achieve and sustain improvements related to risk factors for CS or health outcomes.
BDT compared two groups with similar demographic characteristics – where one group was enrolled in SNAP and the other was not – and the data showed that the people participating in SNAP incurred healthcare costs that were 16% lower and pharmacy costs that were 21% lower.
This blog shares the findings of CHIR's research into the rate requests from select states with early rate filing deadlines to see what’s behind the premiums consumers could be facing in 2024, both on- and off-Marketplace.
This blog shares why Marketplace plans will likely be an alternative source of health coverage for only a modest number of people, especially for children, who lose their Medicaid coverage due to unwinding.
This blog shares individual-level surveys of people who were enrolled in Medicaid during the continuous coverage requirement to help answer whether people are gaining employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) upon leaving Medicaid coverage and why some successfully renewed while others could not.
This blog post examines the youth mental health and loneliness crises and shares how public health agencies can work alongside schools to address these crises through social connection.
This blog explores how ASTHO and the CDC partnered with subject matter experts to improve overdose death reporting accuracy.
This blog examines the role of state advisory councils in emergency preparedness planning and how public health leaders can create a public health ethics committee to ensure equitable resources allocation during an emergency response.
This blog introduces a new National Governors Association guide, designed to make transformational change in a system that has historically failed mothers and babies.
In this blog, CHIR members provide an overview of the meeting—including a presentation by CHIR faculty member Christine Monahan—and its implications for current and future health equity initiatives.
In this blog, SHADAC presents 2021 estimates of childhood poverty at the national and state level.
This blog examines the Suicide, Overdose, Adverse Childhood Experiences Prevention Capacity Assessment Tool and the importance of partnerships among health agencies.
This blog shares why adoption of and compliance with the FDA Food Code is important.
This blog reviews state processes that are underway to ensure eligible children who are losing Medicaid coverage are transitioning to CHIP.
This blog examines how state agencies are collaborating to develop resources to mitigate public concerns and better protect the health and welfare of their communities.
This blog examines trends in adult health insurance coverage rates as states “unwind” the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement and restart standard redetermination procedures.
This blog examines states' use of data dashboards to monitor progress on coverage transitions during the unwinding.
This blog discusses how data dashboards allow states to make proactive decisions about what data to release and on what schedule.
This blog reviews the promise of price transparency as a tool to understand what is driving healthcare cost growth and target strategies to constrain it.
This blog examines the use of data to foster inclusivity in outreach efforts.
This blog discusses the use of evidence based policies, understanding the the vaccine opinion landscape, and how public health leaders can utilize value based messaging.
This blog discusses what states will gain during the learning lab, state team composition and how to apply.
This blog discusses the launch of the Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health and its cohort of leaders.
This blog examines systemic barriers to health care coverage that the LGBTQ+ community faces, and highlights a few key coverage and access issues that continue to impact LGBTQ+ individuals with private health insurance.
This blog highlights key themes from a roundtable with three leaders about the importance of mentoring, engaging, empowering, and celebrating Black women in Medicaid to support their career development.
In this blog, ASTHO explores authenticity in leadership—what does it mean, what does it take, and how do leaders show up for the LGBTQ+ community.
This blog highlights a conversation between ASTHO's Marcus Plescia and healthcare, technology, and policy experts from across the field, in which they discussed the future of measuring health equity in a world of rapidly evolving data.
This blog shares details behind AcademyHealth's range of activities to advance data equity, support data learning networks, and extend access to highly valuable datasets for research.
This blog discusses how BDT will raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program and highlight the ways in which it has benefited people.
This blog examines rural hospital closures and why rural hospitals may be at risk of closure due to the present and ongoing physician shortage.
This blog discusses the need to invest in equitable infrastructure in disadvantaged communities.
This blog examines two case studies that highlight how the profile can support the enrollment efforts of local organizations and departments.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials' Public Health TechXpo and Future Forum engaged some of the world’s top leaders in technology and public health on challenges and solutions for modernizing the U.S. public health system. This blog reviews key takeaways from the three-day forum.
This blog discusses Kentucky’s decision-making process behind implementing CHW certification and how the Kentucky Office of CHWs has maintained shared decision-making with their state’s CHW workforce.
This blog discusses how states are approaching helping their residents secure coverage.
This blog is the first in a series of blog posts that dive into what changes to the farm bill could mean for administrators and program participants alike.
This blog shares how health agencies play a critical role in strengthening supports for children and youth with incarcerated parents and justice-involved youth to stop the cycle of incarceration.
This blog discusses how data dashboards can be useful for states to make proactive decisions about what data to release and on what schedule and then organize that data in an easy-to-digest visual format that facilitates the interpretation of key coverage trends.
Addressing Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) in 1115 demonstrations can help states improve coverage, access, and equity. This blog examines innovative state demonstrations and implications for cross agency partnerships.
Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH) released two workbooks to help communities recognize data as an important asset in improving health equity.
In this blog, specialists talk about the program's beginnings, partnerships development, and outcomes in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in public health emergency preparedness.
In this blog, ASTHO asked her to reflect on her experience and role leading public health communications for the nation’s capital.
This blog examines state legislation related to newborn screenings and how they reflect the importance and impact of screening programs.
This blog examines and maps states that are using publicly available dashboards to share key data points as they monitor enrollment transitions throughout the unwinding.
This blog examines states' plans to publish a data dashboard to monitor progress.
This blog discusses actions insurance regulators can take to hold providers accountable and meet affordability goals.
This blog discusses the agenda for the event and benefits of joining the Public Health TechXpo and Futures Forum.
This blog discusses federal support for states looking to expand postpartum coverage through Medicaid.
This blog examines dengue concerns for the United States, the development of early warning systems in the U.S affiliated Pacific Islands, and vaccine implementation in Puerto Rico.
This blog examines how public health could be impacted if the nation defaults on its debt.
This blog compares Washington’s “selective procurement” approach with Colorado’s requirement that all carriers offer public option plans.
This blog reviews selected policies tied to the PHE and evaluates how their expiration will impact consumers’ access to services.
This blog examines how two newly-released proposed rules from CMS could reshape the federal regulatory landscape for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
This blog discusses why timely and reliable data are necessary for program planning, implementation, and monitoring/identifying resources to address and prevent ACEs.
This blog explores the evidence behind harm reduction strategies and shares practical steps for adopting this approach in healthcare settings.
This blog focuses on market reforms and consumer assistance within the 2024 Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters.
This blog aims to summarize the access rule which includes changes to Payment for Services, Medicaid Advisory Committees, and Home and Community-Based Services.
This blog discusses that, while there are many factors that may affect the scale of coverage losses from procedural disenrollments, one of the significant concern is notices.
This blog discusses how new CMS approvals in Oregon and Washington will protect health coverage for children and families during this Medicaid unwinding, minimizing coverage disruptions and easing transitions to new sources of health coverage.
This blog focuses on provisions of the final rule most of interest to State-Based Marketplaces and state insurance regulators.
This blog examines Georgia’s efforts to address maternal mortality, partly through Medicaid postpartum coverage extension.
This blog provides a brief update on five public health state policy issues.
This blog discusses key themes underlying many of the 2024 rules including the administration's commitments to advancing health equity, improving the costumer experience, and expanding marketplace enrollment.
This blog discusses federal investment to address climate, state and territorial health agency climate capacity and funding, and states that have introduced legislation for climate change.
This blog discusses seven podcasts that can keep individuals informed, motivated, and ready to do their best work.
This blog examines how Alaska and Montana chose to link their Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data to child health-focused datasets to learn more about early childhood adversity prevention opportunities in their states.
The blog discusses parameters for reentry 1115 demonstrations.
This blog explores the updated model and its' three primary goals to risk adjustment.
This blog discusses the impact of the Braidwood Ruling depending on source of insurance.
A key component of the No Surprises Act is the federal process for determining how much a patient’s insurer or health plan will pay an out-of-network facility or provider. This blog reviews how the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process is working to date.
This blog includes a Q&A with two Iowa HHS employees to learn more about these recent efforts.
This blog explores the best path forward for public health leadership following the shift away from telework.
This blog outlines promising strategies for state-local collaboration for opioid settlement funding.
This blog reviews DIS' role during Covid-19 and barriers they still face–including underfunding and hiring challenges.
This blog examines state efforts to expand broadband and disparities in access based on income level.
This blog discusses ASTHO's Breastfeeding Virtual Learning Series, which showcases emerging topics to advance breastfeeding equity.
This blog discusses the critical role health agencies must play to support positive mental health outcomes through nutrition support and food assistance programs.
This blog examines issues including network adequacy, door-to-door enrollment assistance, re-enrollment decision hierarchies, and standardized plans.
This blog examines the importance of diversity in leadership at the local level, scholars' reflections on local leadership experiences, and advice for building inclusive workplaces.
This blog reviews data examining groups most disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges.
This blog examined Rhode Island's strategies to promote accessibility in response to Winter Storm Harper and additional actions to promote accessibility during emergencies.
This blog examines how states are preventing firearm injury and violence, and next steps for long-term fire arm violence reduction.
This blog examines comments about the NBPP from state departments of insurance and state-based marketplaces.
This blog discusses inequities in contraceptive care at community colleges and actions organizations and institutions can take to reduce them.
This blog discusses how rural communities are developing tailored, self-determined solutions to workforce shortages and rural hospital closures.
This report explores the dynamics influencing immunization information systems (IIS) and health information exchanges (HIE) data sharing and includes considerations for health, data, and technology leaders interested in advancing IIS and HIE connectivity.
Physical activity not only improves mobility, but can reduce the risk of moderate or severe functional limitations among older adults and people with disabilities. This blog discusses the benefits of physical activity and strategies to support increased physical activity.
This blog examines a new video series that will have unique topics and feature stories exploring the critical need for engagement of disability stakeholders and disability-led organizations as equity partners and methods to build capacity through this critical resource.
This blog discusses how states have initiated plans to publish a data dashboard to monitor unwinding progress.
This blog discusses opportunities and considerations to utilize strategies to minimize coverage loss as states reinstate Medicaid redeterminations.
This blog discusses the proposed revisions to OMB Directive No. 15 and comments and considerations from State Health Access Data Assistance Center.
This blog examines State Health Access Data Assistance Center's comments aimed at supporting the adoption of a revised set of federal standards for collecting race/ethnicity data.
This blog discusses actions government officials have been taking to promote continuity of coverage to minimize the number of people who become uninsured or face a gap in coverage.
This blog discusses upcoming changes that will help ensure all school meals align with the dietary pattern outlined in the Dietary Guidelines.
This blog examines the role of breastfeeding in early childhood nutrition security, how states have been promoting breastfeeding and nutrition security, and recommendations for state and territorial agencies.
This blog discusses how some states have initiated plans to publish a data dashboard to monitor progress given the intense focus on coverage transitions during the unwinding.
This blog examines three key strategies Benefits Data Trust believes will help streamline the transition for government staff and Medicaid recipients.
This blog examines the fundamental differences in vaccine exemption type, their impact on a community, and strategies to reduce exemptions.
With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health is leading a multi-phased project to assess whether identifying a set of key equity-related indicators and populating them into a centralized “Medicaid Equity Monitoring Tool” could be a helpful, feasible, and reliable way of tracking and advancing health equity in Medicaid.
This blog reviews the primary drivers of the erosion occurring in ESI and identifies three recognized policy options to improve affordability: regulating prices, reducing anti-competitive behavior, and improving price transparency.
This blog provides a checklist of actions state-based Marketplaces and state departments of insurance can take to reduce gaps in coverage and minimize disruptions in care.
This blog examines the importance of ERISA, NASHP's model act to prohibit anticompetitive contracts, and ERISA's implications.
This blog highlights updates to the Center On Health Insurance Reforms' Navigator Resource Guide to help consumers and enrollment assisters during the unwinding.
This blog highlights federal action limiting flavors for combustible cigarettes and cigars, cigarettes and other nicotine products; state bans on Tobacco flavors, including menthol.
This blog examines how working with trusted messengers and crafting informative and compelling legislative testimony could increase vaccine confidence among elected leaders and navigate current legislative sessions.
As states prepare to unwind the COVID-19 pandemic-related Medicaid continuous coverage requirement and resume terminations of coverage as soon as April 1, this blog examines how they could streamline eligibility determinations for older adults and people with disabilities, who face unique challenges with the Medicaid enrollment and renewal process.
This blog highlights the benefits of using federal matching funds to help states hire more people, raise wages, and temporarily bring back retired workers, and pay overtime.
This blog examines legislative initiatives to increase AED and CPR Training and challenges of equity in AED and CPR training.
This blog presents findings from a study aimed at producing estimates of ACE exposure for different demographic groups.
This blog examines Health Data for Action grantee Carrie McAdam-Marx's journey to take her research on insulin out-of-pocket costs to policymakers on Capitol Hill.
This blog reviews a new report that explores the high stakes for children when the continuous coverage protection expires.
This blog discusses how business’ place-based investments can advance health, wellbeing, and equity.
This blog explores state initiatives to increase access to childcare services while ensuring licensed care centers and workforce.
This blog highlights the variety of activities undertaken to implement the family glitch fix.
This blog examines recommendations state and territorial health officials should consider to strengthen trust within public health practice.
This blog explores how State Interagency Councils on Homelessness (ICHs) can serve as a promising mechanism to coordinate various state and local partners and develop and implement plans to end homelessness.
This blog outlines a number of strategies available to state and territorial health departments to expand their public health approaches to firearm-related violence depending on their stage of readiness to address this issue.
This blog examines how ERISA works and the obligations it puts on employer health plans.
This blog highlights strategies health department leaders can explore to reduce staff stress and burn out.
This blog shares lessons learned of Camden Coalition’s Community Ambassadors program, which has played a key role in educating Camden and South Jersey residents about various public health concerns.
This blog outlines CDC's strategies for preventing ACEs and how states have played a critical role in enacting policies to support them.
This blog assesses proposed policy options designed to improve the affordability of ESI, the state of the evidence supporting or refuting the proposed policy change, and opportunities for adoptions.
This blog shares how CMS guides researchers and other consumers in their use of T-MSIS data through production of data quality assessments of the race and ethnicity data along with other data such as enrollment, claims, expenditures, and service use.
On January 4, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new State Medicaid Director Letter on how states can use “in lieu of” services (ILOS) authority, including to address social drivers of health. This blog reviews the letter and discusses why it is significant for state health policymakers.
This blog highlights state strategies to maximize continuity of coverage for consumers coming off Medicaid and needing to transition to the marketplace.
This blog highlights the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, legislation which includes a permanent increase of the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to 83% for U.S. territories.
This blog discusses that, though the law intended to cover ALL FFY and the provision seems straightforward, the way the law was constructed has many barriers and administrative burdens.
This blog examines how the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 will strengthen the CHW workforce and improve patient care.
This blog discusses how persistently low and disparate rates of flu vaccination, and the added burden of increases in other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are all contributing to what may be a tumultuous next few months for the public the nation's health systems.
This Q&A style blog discusses ex parte redeterminations in which Medicaid officials attempt to make a redetermination of an individual’s eligibility based on available data, without requiring additional information from the individual.
On December 12, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its proposed Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters for plan year 2024. This blog assess provisions of the proposed rule that are of interest to state-based marketplaces regulators.
This blog discusses how stigma and misunderstanding of HIV transmission has led to policies that discriminate against people living with HIV or against people who have been disproportionately impacted by HIV.
This blog delves into specific actions states can take to minimize gaps in coverage for consumers who become ineligible for Medicaid.
This blog explores the effect of gender-based discrimination on healthcare access.
This brief shares findings that show the need for greater language accessibility resources in healthcare settings for AANHPI adults with limited English proficiency.
This blog reviews why taking stock during pandemic recovery and preparing for the challenges ahead presents a unique moment to build and strengthen trust in public health with young adults.
This blog highlights two agencies whose unique collaborations with healthcare and public health have allowed them to effectively promote flu vaccinations within their communities.
This blog reviews considerations for California's Medi-Cal managed care plans as they fortify provider networks to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have their health and social needs met.
This blog looks into how the adequacy of these plans has been eroding over time, and it presents policy options that may control and reduce healthcare prices and alleviate the burden on many low-income working Americans.
This blog looks at how and to which sectors the cities allocated their money.
This blog looks into the steps health agencies often must take to prevent infectious disease spread through mitigating disease risks of contaminated water, establishing surveillance systems, vaccinating those at high risk for infection, communicating risk effectively, and monitoring endemic diseases.
This blog reviews jurisdictions that continue to implement policies to reduce tobacco and nicotine use, including increasing tobacco prices, expanding areas deemed “smoke-free,” limiting the sale of flavored tobacco products, and supporting tobacco cessation programs.
This blog discusses why supporting adolescent girls’ mental, emotional, and social needs may significantly improve population health outcomes later in life.
This blog discusses Rhode Island's new program that will automatically enroll consumers determined ineligible for Medicaid into a qualified health plan offered through HealthSource RI, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
This blog examines the history and evolution of the opioid crisis through several charts based on data from SHADAC's State Health Compare.
This blog introduces the one-stop page to provide states research insights and key messages they can customize and use in their own communications campaigns for their unwinding operational plans.
This blog includes conversation on the role and impact of SORH and its intersection with other offices in state government.
This blog reviews a report published by the task force on recommendations for creating a “Bridge Program” by using Section 1331 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which authorizes state-based Basic Health Programs (BHP).
This blog discusses the delicate balance that must be achieved between different policy goals in the case that value assessment methodologies discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Despite the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s health insurance landscape remained relatively stable during 2021. This blog focuses exclusively on coverage trends for Californians under age 65.
This blog focuses on e-cigarette use and smoking rates, especially among young adults.
This blog is part of a series on unwinding strategies for states and highlights ideas from earlier works on issues like continuity of care, health equity implications, etc., and offers new ones for states to consider to support continuity of coverage.
This blog discusses how adopting a public health approach to substance use through implementation of harm reduction policies can help communities address the overdose crisis.
This blog explores challenges with reasonable accommodations in these family programs.
The blog discusses proposed legislation to strengthen and sustain infection prevention capacity, efforts to implement requirements for data tracking and reporting through national surveillance systems, and how states are prioritizing antimicrobial stewardship.
This blog includes key takeaways from Washington, Hawaii, and Texas of the varied ways in which states are prioritizing person-centered care in healthcare reform.
This blog examines how states are working with the federal government to implement the No Surprises Act.
This blog provides an overview of a study that analyzed the relationship between SNAP participation and health outcomes among more than 115,000 North Carolina residents who were 65 and older.
This blog reviews state enacted legislation addressing dementia through long-term care services, state planning activities, training requirements, and alert systems for missing persons with dementia.
This brief includes recommendations researchers have made to policymakers to ensure the promise of MHPAEA is realized for patients across the country.
his blog provides research-based recommendations regarding terminology that can be used in consumer education and outreach in order for states to communicate with enrollees about coming changes, what they will need to do to complete the renewal process, and where they may be able to find other coverage options if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.
This blog discusses how states are working to rapidly expand the available pool of providers given the higher demand for mental health services.
This blog analyzes how the Cross Agency Leadership Team (CALT) is prioritizing improving the Federal Grant Planning and Set Up process to prevent bottlenecks and other issues that occur throughout the rest of federal grant lifecycle.
This blog discusses how Benefits Data Trust is supporting North Carolina and Washington over the next two years in achieving the ambitious goals they have set to increase access to Medicaid and social service benefits.
This blog explores implementation considerations for MCPs and housing and homeless service providers as they establish partnerships to support people experiencing homelessness.
This blog includes a summary of these and other recent policy changes that consumers may encounter this year.
This blog discusses how these reforms could bring in up to $344 million to the state and decrease the uninsured rate among people eligible for but not enrolled in subsidized marketplace coverage by up to 12% over five years.
This blog discusses how, given gaps in access to dental insurance and providers, state health policy is an important area for achieving oral health equity.
This blog unveils a new series to highlight strategies for states to expand affordable health coverage to immigrant populations in the United States.
This blog discusses the opportunities for state and federal policymakers to ensure food insecurity remains low now and into the future.
This blog discusses how the recent creation of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) represents an opportunity to reinvigorate the field of public health and emergency preparedness to better meet current challenges.
This blog discusses state-level health policies that that will support this population moving forward, from legislation to regulations.
This blog breaks down the steps state and federal policy makers are taking to improve health outcomes for pregnant people.
In this blog, CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette and Justin Giovannelli recap the legal issues in the case and outline options for states seeking to preserve consumers’ access to preventive services.
This blog discusses how federal regulators can put greater restrictions on short-term plans, including limiting their coverage duration and banning sales during open enrollment to prevent junk plan sales.
This blog highlights national and state-level changes in the broadest categories of insurance and takes a look at the changes in rates by two age groups, nonelderly adults (age 19-64) and children (age 0-18).
This blog analyzes the new rule's ability to close gaps and extend best practices identified by CMS and states in the course of preparing for the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement under the federal public health emergency (PHE).
This blog discusses the contents of the Public Charge Final Rule.
The ACA’s guarantee of free access to preventive services is at risk. If it is ultimately struck down as unconstitutional as the result of a court case that is winding its way through the federal judicial system, Congress will be the only entity that can act to codify and fully restore its benefits. However, there are some actions states can take. This brief explores what state-level health officials can do to mitigate the fallout of the preventive services provision being struck down.
This blog is designed as a resource for state and territorial health officials looking to cultivate lasting relationships with elected members of Congress.
In this blog, Jack Hoadley, Kevin Lucia, and JoAnn Volk review the final rule and discuss its implications for state balance billing protections and oversight.
For the third time, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to effectuate the application of civil rights protections to the health care industry under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This blog discusses whether the rule, through a combination of timing, political will, and policy insight, will result in regulations with staying power.
This blog discusses a technical assistance program out of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) to develop and expand cross-sector collaborations with housing.
This blog discusses current vaccine options, liability protections for those giving the MPV vaccine, and considerations for vaccinating teenagers.
This blog discusses the healthcare implications of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, namely its' impact on Medicare.
The blog analyzes Medicaid community-based palliative care benefits that several states are developing to advance palliative care.
This blog highlights the different approaches states are taking to expand affordable access to diabetes management and reduce disparities in care for diabetic patients.
This blog discusses dissemination strategies that can inform preparedness efforts for future infectious disease threats.
This blog discusses the policies federal, state, and territorial governments are adopting to improve lactation accommodations in school and workplace settings.
This blog discusses how policy decisions can help chart a course to a proven method for reducing opioid mortality rates, and why lowering insurance-related barriers to MAT is key to ensuring access to this lifesaving care.
This blog discusses how states can improve youth mental illness and reduce suicide through access to mental health treatments.
This blog evaluates performance indicators that provide a window into how efficiently state Medicaid programs process their Medicaid Modified Adjusted Gross Income and CHIP applications.
This blog explores quarterly estimates of health insurance coverage beginning in January 2021 through March 2022.
When the PHE ends, state Medicaid agencies will redetermine eligibility for as many as 80 million enrollees. This blog analyzes how states can coordinate and sequence communications with clear messaging to inform enrollees about what is happening.
This blog identifies strategies for state-based Marketplaces, in partnership with Medicaid agencies, departments of insurance, consumer assisters, and participating insurers, to help maintain continuity of care.
This blog explores how states can coordinate and prepare communications related to the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement with clear messaging to inform enrollees, help to reduce churn, and maximize coverage renewal, retention, and transition.
Amid rising healthcare costs, this blog explores how a public coverage option in the individual and small group Marketplace could help reduce costs and expand access to coverage for people with job-based insurance.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most insurers and employers to cover a set of preventive health services at no cost to enrollees. This blog analyzes a case pending in federal court that threatens to cut off consumers’ access to these services by allowing insurers to impose cost-sharing or, in some cases, cease covering them altogether.
This blog examines insurers use of utilization management tactics, including prior authorization and claims review.
This blog examines how employers’ decisions on whether and how to cover travel costs related to abortion care will have a significant impact on whether workers are able to access abortion services far from home.
This blog reviews ways states can support the identification and implementation of tech-enabled innovations to Medicaid systems.
This blog analyzes the array of legislation states have considered related to Long COVID and using pandemic relief funding to enhance the Americans with Disabilities Act.
On July 19, executives across the 19 state-based health insurance marketplaces sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling for the permanent extension of health insurance premium affordability measures slated to expire at the end of this year. This blog explores projections and analysis of how consumers may be impacted if ARPA’s affordability measures are left to expire.
This blog details the Colorado public option, the significance of the 1332 waiver approval, projected impact on premiums and enrollment, and what this means for future state action.
This blog provides lessons learned from committed patient partners while developing a Patient-Centered Complex Care Research Agenda, which aims help inform other organizations seeking to include patient perspectives to guide research priorities.
With new budget initiatives, a California Momnibus Act, and a new Medicaid transformation initiative, the state is seeking to advance more whole-person care for pregnant and birthing people, and to ensure and expand access to reproductive health care, including abortion services.
Two years later, many Emergency Operations Center's (EOC) across the nation remain operational in a virtual environment for the safety of public health staff. In. this blog, ASTHO’s Directors of Public Health Preparedness (DPHP) Network present a range of challenges that the DPHPs, as response leads, have learned to address, including inconsistent connectivity, greater need for remote capabilities, and improved software to facilitate operations management and reporting.
Beginning July 16, the telephone number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, an existing hotline composed of a network of call centers, will shift to 9-8-8 across states. This blog provide in sight on the purpose of 9-8-8 and how the mental health crisis line is being supported.
This blog explores the Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH) Framework which highlights the most important landmarks to consider within the landscape of data sharing to help improve the well-being of people and their communities.
This blog explores why restoring community trust and how collecting and sharing data can be an effective way to design measures that help advance community health.
With the premium tax credit expansion’s (PTC) sunset approaching, Congress has been considering passing an extension—first in the Build Back Better Act and more recently for potential inclusion in narrower reconciliation legislation. This blog explores cost and enrollment rates without an extension of the ARPA’s expanded PTC.
This blog analyzes 2020 ESI estimates to contextualize and establish a baseline for the forthcoming 2021 estimates.
This blog discuss the impact of stigmatizing language in medical records for pediatric patients and their families and provides insights and actionable suggestions for clinicians, health systems, and medical education on how to improve patient-provider relationships.
This blog explore three newly released or trial-phase databases and their implications for future health services research, spotlighted at a recent panel discussion hosted by The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
The blog provides recommendations public health officials applying for grants based on a five-year funding cycle, which allows public health agencies to invest in their workforce, demonstrate the need and value for new positions and/or benefits, and make progress on longer-term workforce improvements.
This blog analyzes the progress and challenges for states modernizing vital records systems (e.g., birth, death, and marriage certificates).
This blog explores why some are sounding the alarm and calling for better regulation to control costs and protect patients as private equity involvement in the healthcare industry increases.
This blog examines the landscape of marketplace race and ethnicity data and detail strategies state-based marketplaces can implement for the upcoming open enrollment period to improve data collection.
This blog details how the use of an ASTHO tool was instrumental in helping create a disability preparedness toolkit for South Carolina, as well as tips for how jurisdictions and agencies can address the access and functional needs of people living with disabilities during and after an emergency.
This blog post, by current state health department leaders, explores the current state of the public health workforce and provides rationale for adding board-certified preventive medicine physicians on staff in health departments.
This blog reviews recent state policies to reduce barriers to HIV testing.
This blog outlines a collaborative approach that led to the development of an implementation guide to support mapping maternal health data across clinical areas and use cases.
This blog post by researchers at AcademyHealth discusses the benefits of having an affirming provider to address health inequities among LGBTQ+ older adults, as well as shares resources to increase capacity for LGBTQ+ affirming care.
This blog explores how states can use Medicaid data to quantify tobacco use within this population, identify related best practices, and make recommendations for scaling.
This resource page recaps the Center for Health Care Strategies' recent webinar highlighting two California-based, cross-sector initiatives focused on improving healthcare for people experiencing homelessness by meeting the population where they are.
Most experts in the public health field agree that the value of data depends on what is measured and what measures are implemented. This blog post from Data Across Sectors for Health highlights the importance of peer learning when leveraging data to improve overall health and well-being.
The Center for Health Care Strategies recently spoke with Jacey Cooper, California’s Medicaid director, to explore how CalAIM seeks to improve care for Californians experiencing homelessness and what other states can learn from this work.
This blog, the first in a two-part series, outlines strategies state Medicaid agencies can take to identify people with high health needs and provide them with additional support to retain or transition their health coverage in order to maintain access to essential healthcare services.
This blog analyzes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' final rules for provider network adequacy standards in the federal healthcare marketplaces and Medicaid.
This blog compares the standards for network adequacy in Medicaid with those in the marketplaces.
This blog examines how policymakers can increase access to abortion services.
This blog post offers suggestions on what states need to consider when they structure primary care investments, including how to ensure that spending reaches patients with the highest needs and improves care delivery.
In this Health Affairs blog post, Nancy Archibald, MHA, MBA, CHCS’ Associate Director for Federal Integrated Care Programs, outlines perspectives from state Medicaid officials on the federal policies that have advanced Medicare-Medicaid integration, and areas where they believe additional federal policy actions are needed.
This commentary outlines how state and territorial health officials (S/THOs) often become involved with lawsuits.
This blog post provide an analysis of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) health insurance coverage estimates for 2021 from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) as part of the NHIS Early Release Program. The estimates captured in this report are some of the first available coverage estimates for 2021 from a federal survey.
This blog post reviews policy approaches to providing greater access to services that treat and manage mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD).
This blog provides updates focused on health insurance coverage, insurance markets, and how people are affected by insurance reform.
This blog post seeks to review updates to five existing guidelines: Well-Women Preventive Visits, Breastfeeding Services and Supplies, Counseling for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections, and Contraception.
At the end of the Pubic Health Emergency, more than 15 million people may become uninsured if they cannot secure alternate sources of health coverage. This blog provides actions states should carefully consider to ensure that stakeholders, including insurers, are facilitating these critical transitions.
This blog explores how states can work with The Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its organizations to provide a comprehensive, fully integrated package of Medicare and Medicaid services to elderly individuals who require a nursing home level of care.
This blog answers questions about the ACA's "family glitch," a flawed regulatory interpretation that has created barriers to coverage. The current administration is currently working to correct this interpretation that prevents 4.8 to 5 million individuals from accessing more affordable health insurance.
This blog discuss the important role that ACA marketplaces will play in mitigating coverage losses as they prepare for the end of the Public Health Emergency and identifies basic as well as more innovative strategies marketplaces can adopt to help consumers make a smooth transition to affordable, comprehensive coverage.
This blog explores how states are working to prepare for the end of the Public Health Emergency with the goal of modernizing benefits access to Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC rather than returning to pre-pandemic practices.
This blog analyzes some of the public health related legislation introduced in U.S Territories and Freely Associated States during their most recent legislative sessions.
Topics include:
Health Equity
Access to Care
Covid-19
Nutrition and Food Security
Climate Change
This blog analyzes how data from the recently released National Health Security Preparedness Index, a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s readiness for large-scale emergencies can:
Ensure the country is prepared for future crises
Help direct ongoing relief to the communities that need it most
Pinpoint where public health and preparedness disparities persist
This blog explores how Iowa Medicaid program implemented a town hall program that successfully integrates member and stakeholder perspectives into it's program and policy design.
This blog provides model comments developed to inform and support state responses to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' RFI to achieve substantial reforms on access to coverage–namely, the processes for enrollment and eligibility redeterminations.
This blog analyzes survey results on how many people in Minnesota have health insurance and how easy it is for them to get health care.
This blog, briefly reviews the research regarding the Medicaid undercount in the CPS, provides estimates of how it varies across states in 2020, and discusses the impact of assigning single coverage for those with multiple sources on the Medicaid undercount in the CPS.
This blog explores the Hospital Cost Tool which identifies different cost measures including hospital revenue, cost to charge ratios, and profitability across more than 4,600 hospitals nationwide from 2011 through 2019.
This blog summarizes the new reporting requirements and presents a set of considerations for states as they begin implementing new unwinding policies, procedures, and reporting.
This blog post highlights California's and New Jersey's approaches to preventing and mitigating the effects of early adversity on children and families as well as supporting resilience-building in their communities.
This blog explores strategies on how to invest in the development of Medicaid leaders to help states and territories improve the health and well-being of people served by publicly financed care.
Key tips include:
Always have a plan b, plan c, and plan d.
Build relationships and find a common thread.
Fill the void.
And more.
This blog explores how telehealth can support services like telematernity and behavioral health visits and its potential to meet health needs and improve health equity.
This blog summarizes feedback from representatives of consumer advocates, insurers, and state agencies on CMS' proposed annual Notice of Benefits and Payment Parameters, which updates regulations governing the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces.
This blog provides data and key findings that explain how that expiration of ARPA provisions will lead to significant premium increases for the majority of consumers enrolled in coverage through the state-based marketplaces.
This blog explores data on Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSM) operating in Massachusetts, due to a state requirement to regularly report on enrollment, membership fees, and other information about HCSM operations and finances.
This blog summarizes key takeaways laid out in the new CMS guidance related to timelines and operational strategies states can leverage to mitigate churn when the federal Medicaid continuous coverage requirement ends.
This blog analyzes comments submitted by state departments of insurance and state-based marketplaces to better understand the impact of The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently proposed set of rules governing the marketplaces and health insurance standards for next year.
This blog provides takeaways from the Massachusetts One Care Program, highlighting the impact of engaging members with disabilities in care planning and strategies that health systems and payers can use to advance health equity through improved engagement with people with disabilities.
This blog provides an overview of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' RFI regarding the federal standards that govern access to care in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
This blog highlights key themes and topics that governors across the country reflected upon during their state-of-the-state addresses.
This blog examines Virginia's framework to expand coverage for community doula services for Medicaid beneficiaries.
This paper outlines strategies states may consider to improve routine childhood vaccination rates and catch-up the millions of children who are behind on vaccinations due to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
This Blog explores Oregon's new kindergarten readiness incentive metric in its Medicaid program focused on social-emotional health to help solidify the connection between a child’s health and their success in school and beyond.
This blog summarizes the actions state leaders have taken to invest in and strengthen school-based mental health systems addressing students' mental health needs brought upon by COVID-19.
This blog summarizes practical steps and recommendations for alternative payment models to help state Medicaid agencies make care more accessible and equitable, and drive better health outcomes.
This blog explores a set of primary care standards to help states explicitly make health equity a focus of primary care standards and incentivize practice-level activities aligned with broader state health equity goals.
This blog profiles Indiana’s plans to launch Medicaid managed long-term services and supports in 2024, under which a majority of participants are expected to be dually eligible individuals.
This blog explores how CMS's proposal to resurrect and revise its previous initiative that encouraged health insurance companies selling plans in the federally facilitated marketplace (FFM) would impact consumers.
This blog examines important questions officials are considering as they monitor shifting trends of telehealth utilization across the country.
This blog explores value-based, alternative payment models as employer-sponsored health insurance costs have increased by 6.3 percent in the United States since 2010, with additional increases projected.
This blog provides Medicaid agencies with examples of how different states are leveraging their managed care programs, inclusive of contracts, quality initiatives, and procurement processes, to promote health equity and address health disparities.
This blog explores text messaging as a mechanism for outreach for state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies to directly contact Medicaid and CHIP enrollees and communicate important information.
This blog presents survey findings that show no significant changes in coverage type (public, private) or uninsured rate across all ages and income groups when compared in Q3 of 2021 compared to the Q3 of 2020.
This blog examines some of the key factors and decision points states may want to consider as they build out mobile mental health crisis services and systems that qualify for enhanced federal medical assistance percentage funding; engaging a cross-agency team and a broad range of external stakeholders can help ensure full consideration of diverse state crisis needs.
This blog examines recent happenings with insurer participation in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
This blog details new federal rules that require health insurers to cover and waive cost-sharing for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for the duration of the federal public health emergency.
This blog examines the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' newly released State Health Official letter providing guidance on the scope of and enhanced payments for qualifying community-based mobile crisis intervention services for Medicaid enrollees experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.
This blog analyzes the coverage landscape in California in 2020, highlighting both encouraging trends and persistent disparities that warrant attention, particularly as federal policies that protect coverage connected to the pandemic end or wind down.
This blog examines the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for the 2023 plan year, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that describes the annual regulation governing health insurance plans and marketplaces for the upcoming year.
This blog highlights several successful state initiatives that policymakers may consider adopting to improve routine Human Papillomavirus vaccination rates among adolescents and provide catch-up vaccinations to the estimated one million adolescents who are now behind due to the challenges of the pandemic.
This blog explores transparency legislation that influences drug pricing by requiring manufacturers and other supply chain entities to provide information on drug pricing.
This blog post sheds light on how Pennsylvania has taken steps to better understand how to mitigate the racial bias by collecting information on how Medicaid Managed Care Organizations are using algorithms, the types of proxies being used, and the outcomes as a method to develop their health equity strategies.
This blog provides a high-level overview of a range of state-level measures which may help states understand and track trends across indicators of health equity, such as health insurance coverage, health care access and affordability, and quality of care.
This blog examines how state officials are actively planning for the eventual end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement that is currently associated with the federal COVID-19 public health emergency and enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds.
This blog presents a set of data resources for the 50 states and the District of Columbia to help policymakers and other stakeholders identify opportunities to improve health equity in their states.
This blog post offers considerations for pediatric medical care teams and community partners to ensure more equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution among children.
This brief features key considerations for state policy makers for leveraging federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act including: Maximizing and aligning Medicaid and other funding sources; Sustaining new crisis capacity; Providing crisis services in rural areas; Addressing endemic workforce challenges; Sharing data; and investing strategically.
This toolkit allows states to assess their existing health insurance rate review laws for the authority to regulate hospital cost growth; and proposes model statutory and regulatory text to provide a state insurance commissioner with the ability to condition health insurance rate approval on meeting affordability standards in hospital cost growth.
This blog post describes how the COVID-19 pandemic has created historically large disruptions to the economy and health insurance coverage at a time when having access to health care is especially important.
This blog discusses the appointment of Kara Herring as Indiana's first Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer.
This expert perspective highlights observations about the factors impacting rate changes in the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces this year and the kind of variations that exist among states.
This blog examines the results from the 2021 release of the National Health Security Preparedness Index which show that the nation’s protections from large-scale health threats remain highly variable across the country.
This blog post examines how the American Rescue Plan Act affected the affordability, choice, and coverage stability of health plans on 12 different state-based marketplaces.
This blog post explores seven key considerations for health care organizations, Medicaid programs, and advocacy organizations to facilitate family engagement in program and policy design and implementation.
This blog examines how states and other stakeholders have another chance to weigh in on Tennessee’s 10-year Medicaid funding demonstration which was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in early January during the final days of the Trump administration.
This blog post outlines the potential coverage gains, state cost savings, and improved health outcomes that would occur if the remaining 12 nonexpansion states extending their Medicaid programs in accordance with the Affordable Care Act.
The blog highlights updates to a compendium providing Medicaid agencies with examples of how different states are leveraging their managed care programs, inclusive of contracts, quality programs, and procurement processes, to promote health equity and address health disparities.
This papers pulls together considerations and examples of best and promising practices for Governors, including building vaccine confidence through consistent, transparent and factual communication; establishing straightforward pathways for individuals to access vaccines; and, developing and streamlining sustainable systems to strategically allocate and distribute vaccines to rural and frontier populations.
This blog examines how the dramatic growth of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of broadband access in ensuring that people can obtain healthcare services.
This memorandum identifies and describes several strategies states deployed to counter false information campaigns during the 2020 election and examines how they may augment states’ COVID-19 vaccine messaging efforts by building better public resilience to false information and restoring trust in official sources of information.
This blog explains how several states have increased COVID-19 vaccine rollout over the past several months by expanding vaccine access to the general adult population and children over 12.
This blog examines how Minnesota’s Medicaid expansion was a crucial resource during the COVID-19 pandemic for those who lost their jobs and/or their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. It is estimated that approximately 29,500 Minnesotans lost their private health insurance coverage between April 2020-July 2020.
This blog describes how the American Rescue Plan Act expanded access to affordable health insurance coverage in a variety of ways.
This blog explains the harm reduction public health approach that aims to reduce harms related to substance use by treating people with dignity and compassion.
This blog analyzes the accumulating evidence that the pandemic precipitated dangerous changes in the way people consume alcohol in the United States.
This blog post highlight's the Virginia Department of Medicaid Services' efforts, successes, and challenges in building a culture of equity.
This article analyzes a key provision of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to the establishment of the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (Fiscal Recovery Funds) for the eligible state, local, territorial and Tribal governments (Recipients) to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
This blog overviews the state strategies to help ensure the equitable administration of COVID-19 vaccine.
This blog highlights how state-based Marketplaces are launching integrated and innovative outreach campaigns—including tapping into existing public health and COVID-19 vaccination efforts—to reach residents and alert them to the fact that the American Rescue Plan Act provides more people than ever before with access to financial help to pay for health insurance.
This blog examines how the The American Rescue Plan of 2021 (ARP) — signed into law on March 11, 2021 – provides states with a one-year, 10 percentage-point increase to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid expenditures on home and community-based services (HCBS) for children and adults.
This blog will provide up-to-date information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment, spending, food and housing security, disruptions to education, physical and mental wellbeing, and health insurance and access to care.
This blog examines the interest in the potential timeline for Medicaid expansion in the remaining states after the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act.
