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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 20, 2019Affordability, Public Option, Resources
Playbook Launched to Help States Explore Medicaid Buy-In to Bring More Affordability and Stability to Health Care
Today, USofCare launched MedicaidBuyIn.com and a Medicaid Buy-in Playbook. Informed by conversations with lawmakers and advocates, these the website and playbook aim to support states as they undertake efforts to increase access to affordable health care through Medicaid buy-in. 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.
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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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February 6, 2019News & Updates
United States of Care Turns One
We launched USofCare to help everyone in this country gain access to affordable health care. Our goal is to focus on people, not politics, and we are energized by the progress we have made in our first year. Some of the highlights from our first year include our listening tour, research, and creation of policy resources. Looking ahead, we plan to use this knowledge as a national call to action, shaping policies and supporting reform efforts to make affordable health care a reality.
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January 29, 2019Press Release, Public Option, Research
Polling Shows Medicaid Buy-in Has Capacity to Cross Political Healthcare Divide
Most Americans support Medicaid Buy-in proposals for more affordable health care, regardless of party affiliation. Our research in New Mexico and nationally shows health care costs and access are among the public’s top concerns. A buy-in would allow individuals who are not currently eligible for Medicaid to purchase state-sponsored coverage similar to Medicaid. Read the complete polling memo for more.
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January 29, 2019Public Option, Research, Resources
Medicaid Buy-in: Crossing Healthcare’s Political Divide
Medicaid Buy-in could help bridge the political divide in health care and provide predictability and security. Our polling memo summarizes research and reveals that people support Medicaid Buy-In, which is currently not a politicized issue. As the cost of health care continues to be a driving concern for voters, Medicaid Buy-in could offer an effective solution.