State Efforts
We are working in states to expand access to quality, affordable, health care – because people can’t wait for a perfect solution from Washington, D.C.
Learn more about our state policy efforts.
-
News & Updates, State Efforts
USofCare Brings Together Health Care Experts for Medicaid Buy-In Panel
On March 15th, US of Care organized a gathering of health care researchers, policy experts, and community advocates to discuss Medicaid buy-in, a state-based approach aimed at reducing health care costs and increasing market competition by enabling people ineligible for Medicaid to enroll in Medicaid-like plans. United States of Care is proud to have brought together this diverse group of people and hopes that the panel allows policymakers and patients alike to better understand the aims and nuances of this approach.
-
Press Release, State Efforts
USofCare Applauds Passage of Funding for Additional Medicaid Buy-In Study in New Mexico
US of Care applauds the New Mexico Together for Healthcare Coalition on their success in advocating for the inclusion of new funding in the state’s budget for additional analysis of Medicaid buy-in. We also commend the legislature’s directive to the Governor to seek a federal waiver in order to expand access to affordable health care for New Mexicans through a buy-in model. Together, these are promising steps to increase access to affordable health care. We will continue to support New Mexico and other states as they develop innovative solutions to address our country’s most pressing health care issues.
-
Press Release, State Efforts
USofCare Premieres New Video on Medicaid Buy-In at Panel Event
USofCare recently brought together health care researchers and policy experts for an engaging panel discussion. This panel was presented in partnership with the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School. At the panel, US of Care premiered a new video that breaks down the basics of Medicaid buy-in and highlights how states can take action by allowing it. The video and panel discussion highlight an innovative, relevant policy area.
-
Press Release, State Efforts
USofCare Makes Push to Reform Minnesota’s Health Care System
US of Care has begun efforts to reform Minnesota’s health system. US of Care has convened Minnesota state legislators from both sides of the aisle for the past six months with the goal of helping them develop a state health policy agenda. Among the issues on the agenda are the need to stabilize the individual health insurance market, preserve funding for key health programs such as MinnesotaCare, and lay the foundation for longer-term reforms. US of Care is committed to supporting both their immediate legislative priorities and their strategic vision for a healthier Minnesota.
-
Press Release, State Efforts
USofCare Applauds the Passage of New Mexico’s Medicaid Buy-in Act Out of Committee
United States of Care applauds the passage of the Medicaid Buy-in Act in the New Mexico state legislature. The bill would begin to implement the first-in-the-nation public buy-in option. It would expand coverage to tens of thousands while offering a new option to consumers, reducing health care costs. Medicaid buy-in proposals are important first steps toward the goal of getting every American access to quality, affordable health care.
-
News & Updates, Public Option, State Efforts
Pew Trusts: Medicaid ‘Buy-In’ Could Be a New Health Care Option for the Uninsured
Medicaid buy-in might be an appealing and affordable option, and it could even spur competition that could lower prices for everybody. At least 10 states are exploring this option, with some having concerns. Many questions about Medicaid Buy-in also remain unanswered. Read this article from Pew to learn more about the conversation around Medicaid Buy-in.
-
News & Updates, State Efforts
AJMC: CMS’ Boehler, NC Health Chief Cohen Talk Strategies at United States of Care Panel
At a United States of Care Panel, Mandy K. Cohen and Adam Boehler discussed state strategies to address health care costs and improve care. Cohen and Boehler talked about federal-state collaboration in pursuit of shared goals around value-based care, alternative payment models, and the challenge of convincing managed care organizations to accept 1-sided risk models. CMS has 4 points they keep in mind when making decisions about value-based transformation: patients as consumers, providers as accountable entities, payment for outcomes, and prevention. Ultimately, CMS wants to focus on prioritizing patients over stakeholders.
-
Health Care Costs, News & Updates, State Efforts
Politics Aside, Americans Agree: States Can and Should Take Action on Health Care
Despite political divisions, Americans of all political affiliations agree that states can and should take action to improve health care. USofCare identified five areas in which strategic steps can be taken to build toward improving health care access for millions of Americans. These include making insurance more affordable and improving access to mental health care. Bipartisan support for state-led solutions offers hope for progress in addressing health care challenges in the US.
-
Resources, State Efforts
2019 State Outlook: 5 Opportunities for Bipartisan Collaboration
With electing season ending, it’s time to see how newly elected leaders can take action on health care and deliver on their promises to voters. Our new report highlights 5 bipartisan opportunities to improve health care in America, including expanding access to care and lowering costs. The insightful report provides a roadmap for policymakers, health care leaders, and advocates to collaborate on solutions that benefit all Americans.