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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Health Care Costs, 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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Public 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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State 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.
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News & Updates, State Efforts
USofCare Applauds Passage of Medicaid Expansion Ballot Initiatives
With the passing of Prop. 2 in Idaho, Initiative 427 in Nebraska and Prop 3 in Utah, these three states become the most recent to join the list of states who have expanded Medicaid. The passage of these initiatives shows that when politicians fail to act, the people will. Now that the people have spoken, leaders in these states should move as quickly as possible to implement these expansions so people can get the care they need.
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Mental Health, News & Updates, State Efforts
Duluth News Tribune – Tough days for those in pain – Minnesota must improve its mental health parity
Access to mental health services is elusive for many, and deaths from drug and alcohol misuse and suicide have skyrocketed. Few individuals who have a mental health need get the care they need. In Minnesota, mental health parity must be improved so that it is no longer seen as a separate and distinct element from physical care. Read the full op-ed on Duluth News Tribune.
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News & Updates, State Efforts
In These Four Red States, Health Care is on the Ballot
Polling has consistently shown health care, and health care affordability, to be a top concern of voters heading towards Election Day. Tomorrow, voters in Utah, Nebraska, Idaho, and Montana have the chance to weigh in on health care initiatives and Medicaid expansion. We will be watching closely to see how voters weigh in and how elected officials respond. When you strip away political labels, Americans just want affordable health care.
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Health Care Costs, News & Updates, State Efforts
TIME: Forget ‘Repeal and Replace’ The One Issue Unifying Americans is Affordable Health Care
The one issue unifying Americans is affordable health care. Read this TIME article for more on how solutions to ensure affordable health care must come from the states, not Congress.
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Health Care Costs, News & Updates, Resources, State Efforts
Prescription Drug Prices: Problems, Solutions, and What States Can Do
The price of prescription drugs has increasingly been a topic of public concern over the last several years. Americans believe that Congress and the President are not doing enough about the problem. This brief identifies drivers of rising prescription drug costs and reviews ways that states can address them.
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News & Updates, Resources, State Efforts
States Are Ready to Act
On our listening tour, USofCare has been learning from the health care leaders who are advancing state initiatives. We found that the desire for action on health care is strong, bipartisanship is emerging across the country, and states are eager for help and shared learning. We look forward to continuing to work with experts and advocates from across the country to support state solutions.