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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May 19, 2023Affordability, News & Updates, Oregon, Public Option, Resources, State Efforts
USofCare Highlights Innovative Opportunities for States to Use 1332 Waivers to Promote Affordability
As an organization dedicated to a more affordable, accessible, and equitable health care system, United States of Care closely monitors state efforts to pursue innovative policy actions to promote affordability.
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May 11, 2023Affordability, News & Updates, State Efforts
United States of Care Provides Testimony in Support of Maine Legislation to Limit Facility Fees
Earlier today, United States of Care submitted testimony in support of LD 1795, Maine legislation introduced by Senate President Troy Jackson that would protect patients from hidden “facility fees” charged by hospitals and health systems. Affordability continues to top the list of people’s health care concerns, and widespread hospital consolidation…
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May 10, 2023Affordability, News & Updates, State Efforts
United States of Care Provides Testimony in Support of Massachusetts Cost-Free Preventive Services Legislation
Earlier this month, United States of Care and Community Catalyst submitted joint testimony in support of S. 647 and H. 1081, legislation that would protect access to preventive care without out-of-pocket cost for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents. By making sure Bay Staters continue to have access to preventive…
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April 14, 2023Affordability, News & Updates, State Efforts
United States of Care Submits Testimony in Support of Colorado Price Transparency Legislation
Earlier this week, United States of Care (USofCare) submitted testimony in support of Colorado SB23-252, legislation introduced by Senators Julie Gonzales and Kevin Van Winkle and Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Anthony Hartsook that would strengthen existing transparency standards for hospital prices. Health care costs remain a top concern for people…
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April 3, 2023Affordability, Federal Efforts, News & Updates, State Efforts
FACT SHEET: Solutions States Can Take to Preserve Access to Free Preventive Services
One of the most popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the requirement that most commercial health plans cover preventive services, including vaccinations and cancer screenings, without cost-sharing, such as deductibles or copays. On March 30, 2023 a federal judge in Texas declared that an earlier ruling he…
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March 29, 2023News & Updates, State Efforts
Get the Facts: What are the Benefits of State-Based Marketplaces (SBMs)?
State-Based Marketplaces (SBMs) allow states to enhance the consumer enrollment experience for those purchasing coverage in the individual market. SBMs provide more tools to states than they otherwise would have when utilizing the federally-facilitated marketplace (FFM), or healthcare.gov. Switching from the FFM to a SBM has several benefits, including: Currently,…
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March 28, 2023Affordability, News & Updates, State Efforts
United States of Care Provides Testimony to Colorado House Health and Insurance Committee in Support of Legislation to Restrict Hospital Facility Fees
On Friday, March 24, United States of Care’s (USofCare) Policy Manager, Eric Waskowicz, delivered testimony before the Colorado House Health and Insurance Committee in support of HB23-1215, legislation introduced by Representatives Emily Sirota and Andrew Boesenecker, that would protect patients from unexpected medical costs caused by hospital facility fees. Our…
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March 10, 2023Affordability, News & Updates, Public Option, State Efforts
United States of Care Provides Testimony in Support of Colorado Legislation to Strengthen the State’s Innovative Colorado Option
In March 2023, Colorado Representatives Kyle Brown and Iman Jodeh and Senator Dylan Roberts introduced HB23-1224, legislation that would build on the successes of the state’s Colorado Option, which, in its first year, has already expanded quality, affordable health care coverage to 35,000 Coloradans. On March 10, United States of Care submitted public testimony…
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March 6, 2023News & Updates, State Efforts
1331 Waivers: State Comparisons to Create a Basic Health Plan
State policymakers across the nation are looking to increase access to affordable health care coverage – especially as state Medicaid agencies begin unwinding from the COVID-19 public health emergency. One way that states can advance coverage options is through the creation of a state-sponsored Basic Health Program (BHP) using a…