State Opportunities to Advance Health Care in 2020

Health care continues to be a top priority as we enter 2020. Congressional deadlock over prescription drug pricing and protections against surprise medical bills offers state leaders the opportunity to lead the way toward accessible, affordable health care for individuals and families.

This year, state lawmakers will build on the momentum generated during 2019; some will champion bold measures, others will take small steps, and the rest will use 2020 to lay the groundwork for transformative health care policies in 2021. Initiatives passed over the next year will be strong predictors of future state and federal action. Over the next 12 months, we expect activity in four key areas:

• Affordability
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health services and substance use disorders
• Health disparities