Playbook Launched to Help States Explore Medicaid Buy-In to Bring More Affordability and Stability to Health Care

Washington, D.C. — Today, United States of Care (USofCare) launched MedicaidBuyIn.com and a Medicaid Buy-in Playbook. Informed by conversations with lawmakers and advocates, these resources aim to support states as they undertake efforts to increase access to affordable health care.

Medicaid buy-in is an idea that an increasing number of states are considering, often on a bipartisan basis, to offer more affordable insurance coverage options. MedicaidBuyIn.com will support these efforts by providing a one-stop-shop for policymakers, health industry leaders, advocates and anyone interested in learning more about this approach. The website features an interactive map with detailed updates on Medicaid buy-in initiatives, which will be updated regularly.

The centerpiece of MedicaidBuyIn.com is a Medicaid Buy-in Playbook, also released Wednesday by United States of Care, to assist states in determining whether Medicaid buy-in would effectively address pressing local issues, and how to tailor a proposal to solve for their unique needs. The playbook features detailed best practices to help states develop a policy proposal, engage key stakeholders, and communicate persuasively to the public.

“Health care costs are reaching a crisis point, and today too many Americans still don’t have an affordable option for health insurance. A Medicaid public option will let states unlock the program for anyone who wants it, giving more people a high-quality, low-cost choice when purchasing health insurance. By providing a roadmap to success, United States of Care is empowering states to take bold action on health care,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI).

“In our first year at making progress on creative health reform, we’ve learned that state leaders are more than willing to shed the partisan politics of change. One of their policy choices to expand access to affordable care to those who need it is Medicaid buy-in. United States of Care is providing critical access, resources, and non-partisan guidance to help them be successful,” said Hon. David Durenberger (R-MN), former U.S. Senator.

“Medicaid buy-in provides a nonpartisan approach to address the concerns Americans have about affording the care they need. We hope that the playbook and website can be used as tools for legislators, advocates, and interested parties to understand the benefits of these proposals and how to take action in their states,” added Emily Barson, Executive Director at United States of Care.

“This is the first playbook launched by United States of Care,” said Joanna Dornfeld, Senior Director of State Affairs at United States of Care. “We hope to take feedback and continue to make these playbooks a hallmark of United States of Care’s contributions.”

United States of Care is also supporting state efforts to explore Medicaid buy-in through on-the-ground engagement, strategic consultation and public opinion research.