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.
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February 22, 2019Press 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.
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February 15, 2019Press 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.
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February 8, 2019News & 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.
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February 8, 2019News & 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.
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February 7, 2019Affordability, 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.
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January 16, 2019Resources, 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.
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November 30, 2018Affordability, Resources, State Efforts
“Surprise” Medical Bills: State Opportunities to Protect Patients
Most people hope that being covered by health insurance will protect them from financial ruin if they are sick or injured. However, people with insurance can receive unexpected “surprise” medical bills after they seek care, even if they were treated at a facility within their network. Read the full brief about surprise medical bills.
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November 29, 2018Public Option, Resources, State Efforts
Medicaid Buy-In: State of Play
As states look for opportunities to control insurance costs, stabilize their insurance markets and provide consumers with more options, Medicaid Buy-in is emerging as a potential solution under consideration in many states. Medicaid Buy-in is generating excitement from both consumer groups and state governments interested in improving health insurance affordability and choice. Fourteen states are in various stages of exploring Medicaid Buy-in, and each state’s approach will likely be designed differently to meet the state’s unique needs.
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November 13, 2018State Efforts
North Carolina’s Approach to Creating Opportunities for Health Can Serve as a Model to Other States
One of the core causes of poor health outcomes and high costs of health care are unmet non-medical drivers of health. North Carolina may have found a way to sustainably tackle the fundamental drivers of health as part of their Medicaid Transformation Project. We commend North Carolina for its commitment to tackling the primary drivers of health, and it can serve as a national model for its approach.