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NASHP Health
@nashphealth.bsky.social
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For over 35 years, the National Academy for State Health Policy has been a nonpartisan organization committed to developing and advancing state health policy innovations and solutions.

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NASHP’s quarterly palliative #care newsletter shares the latest updates on state strategies to improve and expand access to high‑quality palliative care.

🔗Subscribe for future updates loom.ly/IwVcRqI
#StateHealth #PalliativeCare
Text: Our quarterly palliative care newsletter contains the latest news and updates on state strategies to improve and expand access to high-quality palliative care. Read the latest edition here. Our quarterly family caregiving newsletter features news and updates on state initiatives and resources, including the latest resource guides from SupportCaregiving.org, new publications from the RAISE Act Family Caregiver Implementation and Technical Assistance Center, and highlights from states on their latest activities. Read the latest edition here. Subscribe to one or both and get updates delivered to your inbox.
January 29, 2026 at 2:01 PM
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States are addressing pediatric health care workforce shortages through data, planning, and targeted investments.

As the number of children with chronic and complex needs grows, states are working to better align workforce supply with demand

🔗 Read more loom.ly/FHmWMDI
#StateHealth #ChildHealth
Text: States are actively addressing pediatric primary and subspecialty and other health care workforce challenges through a range of strategies, including through statewide needs assessments and strategic planning initiatives, collection and analysis of workforce data, and workforce development investments. The population of children and youth with chronic and complex needs continues to rise, and states continue to experience a reduced health care workforce in many areas, including pediatric primary and subspecialty care physicians, nursing, therapists, and direct care professionals. Recent projections indicate the distribution of pediatric sub-specialists does not align with need and demand. See what states are doing to understand and address health care workforce shortages affecting children and families.
January 28, 2026 at 6:42 PM
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The Hospital Cost Tool has been updated with 2024 data from nearly 4,500 hospitals, offering 14 years of trends on costs, payer mix, labor, and more.

🔗 Join NASHP’s webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 4 to 5 p.m. ET for a walkthrough. loom.ly/Hd6Ic0E
#StateHealth #HealthCosts
Text: Wednesday, February 4, 4–5 p.m. ET The Hospital Cost Tool, which offers many different metrics, has been updated to include 2024 data from almost 4,500 hospitals that submit Medicare Cost Reports, providing 14 years of trends. States and other purchasers of care can use the tool to better understand individual hospital costs, payer mix, labor, and more from the data reported by hospitals to the federal government. Join NASHP’s upcoming webinar that will provide an overview and demonstration of the tool!
January 27, 2026 at 6:58 PM
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Federal and state partners are advancing new initiatives to support family caregivers under the National Strategy.

Join a webinar Thu, Feb 5, 2–3:30 p.m. ET to hear about ACL grants and state implementation efforts from California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin loom.ly/gJVHFQA
Text: Thursday, February 5, 2–3:30 p.m. ET A range of federal, state, local, and private entities have advanced initiatives for family caregivers in line with the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. These strategies encompass improvements to caregiver outreach, assessment, and services, as well as bolstering the direct care workforce. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) recently awarded grants to multiple states to support implementation of the National Strategy and increase access and awareness. In this webinar, attendees will learn about new and ongoing activity to support the National Strategy at the federal and state levels from the Administration for Community Living, The John A. Hartford Foundation, and state speakers from California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, who received the first ACL state caregiving implementation grants. Text: Thursday, February 5, 2–3:30 p.m. ET A range of federal, state, local, and private entities have advanced initiatives for family caregivers in line with the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. These strategies encompass improvements to caregiver outreach, assessment, and services, as well as bolstering the direct care workforce. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) recently awarded grants to multiple states to support implementation of the National Strategy and increase access and awareness. In this webinar, attendees will learn about new and ongoing activity to support the National Strategy at the federal and state levels from the Administration for Community Living, The John A. Hartford Foundation, and state speakers from California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, who received the first ACL state caregiving implementation grants.
January 23, 2026 at 2:02 PM
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NASHP has launched a new webpage highlighting state strategies to improve nursing home #care. Explore resources from our state learning collaborative, including promising practices to improve outcomes and support innovation.

🔗 Explore more loom.ly/NFCkNTk
#StateHealthPolicy
Text: NASHP has created a new webpage to highlight our state nursing home learning collaborative and promising practices to improve nursing home care. These resources can help state policymakers seeking effective strategies to improve resident outcomes, streamline administrative processes, and explore innovations. Visit the new webpage to explore how states can improve the quality of care in nursing homes, such as through leveraging value-based payment and addressing behavioral health needs.
January 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM
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NASHP, in partnership with Arnold Ventures, is launching a new Medicaid Policy and Strategy Hub for states in January 2026. The hub will offer peer learning, policy insights, and actionable resources on OBBBA implementation and key Medicaid priorities.

More details soon: loom.ly/vut8jP0
Text: In partnership with Arnold Ventures, NASHP is excited to announce a new Medicaid Policy and Strategy Hub for states that will launch in January 2026. The Medicaid Hub will focus on key policy decisions, cross-sector programming, and investment approaches related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), or H.R. 1, implementation and broader state priorities to address health care access and affordability. The work will leverage NASHP’s deep expertise in multiple areas of state health policy.The Medicaid Hub will provide a forum for states to share strategies, the latest information, and specific steps and considerations as they adapt to the evolving Medicaid and health policy landscape. NASHP will also develop detailed resources about actionable state strategies and create a clearinghouse of top resources from state policy thought leaders and subject matter experts. https://loom.ly/vut8jP0
January 15, 2026 at 3:18 PM
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NASHP’s Maureen Hensley-Quinn recently joined the @ama-assn.org #StateAdvocacySummit to highlight state options for protecting physician practice ownership. Thanks for having us and for focusing on this important issue -- something we'll continue to watch.
January 14, 2026 at 9:37 PM
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The Trump Administration announced new and proposed approaches to lower prescription drug costs, with a focus on Medicaid and Medicare. States may be able to participate in new models, comment on proposed Medicare drug rebate changes, and explore broader impacts.

Read NASHP’s blog loom.ly/NQffWlw
Text: The Trump Administration recently announced new and proposed approaches to ensure access while lowering costs for prescription drugs, particularly for Medicaid and Medicare programs. State Medicaid programs can volunteer to participate in these new models once more details are provided, and all states can review and comment on the proposed changes to Medicare drug rebates. States also may be interested in exploring opportunities to leverage the federal negotiations with manufacturers to expand the impact of lower prescription drug costs to the commercial market. Check out our blog post that highlights the newly announced federal approach to lowering prescription drug costs. https://loom.ly/NQffWlw
January 14, 2026 at 5:58 PM
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Behavioral health needs among children and youth have been rising for over a decade. States are expanding #Medicaid coverage for behavioral health therapy for children and youth, including access without a diagnosed disorder.

New brief analyzing approaches in all 50 states & DC loom.ly/JyLIZhE
Image: A therapist sits on a colorful mat with a smiling child, they are both holding stuffed animals. Text: Brief - State Medicaid Coverage of Behavioral Health Therapy for Children and Youth. Find out more about how states are taking action at NASHP.org
January 13, 2026 at 2:07 PM
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State action on health system consolidation continued throughout the 2024–25 legislative session. NASHP’s updated toolkit and national snapshots highlight how states are addressing consolidation through reporting requirements, market oversight programs & certificate of need policies loom.ly/5PNuyt0
Text: Updated Toolkit - State Efforts on Health Care Consolidation. The 2024-25 legislative session saw Indiana enacting hospital ownership reporting, New Mexico implementing a market oversight program, and more. Check it out. Find the toolkit you need at NASHP.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:48 PM
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How will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affect #Medicaid eligibility for people reentering the community?

Join NASHP and HARP’s state-only LAN session on Jan. 14 (3:30–5 p.m. ET) to explore policy and operational implications for #reentry planning, enrollment & care transitions.

📩 loom.ly/tB_dQ38
Text: State-Only Webinar State Reentry Learning and Action Network: Medicaid Changes under OBBBA and Their Impact on Reentry: Policy, Practice, and Planning Join the upcoming state-only Learning and Action Network (LAN) session focused on the significant implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), or H.R. 1, for reentry and Medicaid eligibility. Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. EST
January 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
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CMS recently announced the first year of funding to states through the Rural Health Transformation Program. NASHP explores what this funding could mean for states, including common themes across rural health plans and considerations as implementation moves forward loom.ly/085-l1E
Image: A man wearing warm clothing speaks to a woman wearing green overalls while standing in a greenhouse looking at a tablet. Text: Blog - CMS Announces Rural Health Transformation Awards to States.
January 8, 2026 at 2:51 PM
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How can states make it easier for individuals and #family caregivers to find qualified respite and long-term care providers?

This webinar explores the role of #workforce registries, design considerations, and lessons from Washington and North Dakota.

Learn more and register loom.ly/dZKbLoU
Image: Caregiver examines medication with a senior man.Text: Webinar - State Strategies for Respite and Direct Care Workforce Registries. Join us on Wednesday, January 28th from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET. Speakers: 1) Emily Anozie. 2) Bea Rector. 3) Nancy Nikolas-Maier. 4) Kezia Scales. 5) Lisa Schneider. Moderator: Kimberly Hodges, NASHP.
January 7, 2026 at 8:57 PM
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CMMI has announced the BALANCE Model, a voluntary approach to negotiating GLP-1 pricing and coverage for Medicaid agencies and #Medicare Part D plans.
Text: New CMMI Model for GLP-1s. NOTICES OF INTENT DUE JANUARY 8, 2026. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI)’s new BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model aims to increase access to GLP-1 (glucagon-like petide-1) medications for Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. 
January 6, 2026 at 5:13 PM
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States are increasingly using drug price transparency laws to better understand prescription drug costs. Thirty states now require reporting across the supply chain.

NASHP’s new toolkit compares state laws and reporting requirements in one place. Get the details loom.ly/kJeNWDk
Image: Pharmacist wearing gloves holds a blue and white pill over a blurred spread of $100 bills. Text: Drug Price Transparency Toolkit. NASHP's latest toolkit compares state drug price transparency laws, including reporting requirements for manufacturers, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and more.
January 5, 2026 at 5:07 PM
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A new year begins, and the work of state health policy carries on.

In #2026, states continue advancing solutions grounded in evidence and collaboration. We’re entering the year focused on what’s ahead & committed to supporting this work across every state. #HappyNewYear 🎆
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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As 2025 ends, we are grateful for state health policy leaders and their partners, whose ingenuity, tenacity, and dedication inspire us. Thank you for all you do to improve the health of individuals and families.

NASHP will be closed Dec 25-Jan 1. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
December 23, 2025 at 6:52 PM
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Changes to premiums and tax credits are shaping the #2026 marketplace plan year.

The State Marketplace Network has launched a new resource tracking open #enrollment deadlines, consumer tools & updated enrollment data across states. Check it out loom.ly/zQlXl5o
Text: The State Marketplace Network has just released a state tracker for 2026 open enrollment activity. Key information available includes open enrollment deadlines, alongside resources to help consumers keep up to date on changes to coverage and affordability options. Find your state in the tracker today.
December 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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Registration is open for NASHP’s state-only Community Health Worker Policy 101 webinar.

The session will cover CHW roles, certification, Medicaid strategies & policy development lessons for states.
Register here loom.ly/fhBR0iI
Text: State Community Health Worker Policy 101. Start-only Webinar. JOIN US ON Tuesday, January 13th from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. ET. Speakers: 1) Sandra Wilkniss, PhD 2) Lisa Renee Holderby- Fox, CHW 3) Carl Rush, MRP 4) Megan D'Alessandro 5) Nikeisha Banks (Nikki), MPH 6) Ashley Lauing, MPH
December 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM
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States are exploring ways to help community-based organizations that are new to #Medicaid participate more easily. Examples from Arizona, Massachusetts & North Carolina highlight models that support CBOs with fiscal and administrative needs loom.ly/YKnLFuc
Image: A leader advises her colleague on a task they are discussing around the computer. Text: Blog - Support for Community-Based Organizations New to Medicaid. Highlighting Capacity Building Resources. Featuring state examples from Arizona, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Read it today at NASHP.org
December 17, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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How are states using #opioid settlement funds to support #housing for people at higher risk of #overdose? New examples and cross-agency approaches in our latest blog 🔗 loom.ly/EUqx1Ow
Text: People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of opioid overdose and face additional barriers to accessing substance use treatment and supports compared to the general population. Learn about how promoting housing stability among individuals with SUD/OUD presents a key opportunity for allocating opioid settlement funds. New blog post titled 'Housing Supports for People with SUD/OUD: The Opportunity of Opioid Settlement Funds'. Featuring state examples from Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
December 16, 2025 at 1:53 PM
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Kentucky’s collaborative model highlights what it takes to align primary care with substance use services, from champion providers to strong peer support networks. States can explore lessons from these partnerships and funding strategies loom.ly/lkUitAk
Image: Doctor having an animated discussion with a patient seated by his desk. Text: Blog - Integrating Substance Use Disorder Services into Primary Care: Spotlight on Kentucky. The first in a new series. Read it today at NASHP.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:48 PM
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Finding new ways to increase access to quality care for rural populations continues to be a top priority for many states -- so we were pleased to see this timely infographic from @nihcm.bsky.social that cited NASHP as a resource.
Rural Health Needs in America: Challenges & Solutions
This infographic explores rural health in America, examining disparities in health outcomes, barriers to care, hospital closures, and strategies to su...
nihcm.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:29 PM
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Join the Dec 18 @thepcc.org webinar on strengthening primary care. NASHP’s Executive Director Hemi Tewarson will share insights from the new Primary Care Investment Guide from the HMS Center for Primary Care.

Register thepcc.pub/Bolstering-P...
Text: Strategies to Improve Health by Bolstering Primary Care Webinar. Date & Time: December 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET. Featured Speaker Hemi Tewarson, JD, MPH, President & Executive Director, National Academy for State Health Policy. Images: 1) Harvard Medical School Center for Primary Care logo. 2) Primary Care Collaborative logo. 3) Photo of Hemi Tewarson.
December 10, 2025 at 5:28 PM
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Last week NASHP's Robin Buskey (far right), was pleased to join a panel at The Build Initiative conference about finding solutions to maternity care deserts. The panel discussed how cross-sector collaboration is expanding access to care and improving outcomes — which is sorely needed.
December 9, 2025 at 8:44 PM