States in Action is a former State Health Policy and Practices program publication.
This issue discusses the responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges for state Medicaid agencies in implementing programs to encourage providers to adopt electronic health records. It focuses on the Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, established by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and jointly administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state Medicaid agencies.
A central feature of the federal health reform legislation is its creation of health insurance exchanges. States will be able to tailor the exchanges to their particular strengths and circumstances. This issue explores the decisions facing states regarding the exchanges' governance, design, marketing, administration, technology, and other factors.
As states look for ways to improve health care for people with chronic conditions in order to enhance outcomes and contain long-term costs, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers an important opportunity. Section 2703 of the ACA provides enhanced federal funding for two years for "health homes" serving Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions. This issue defines health homes, discusses the ACA provision and the latest federal guidance to states, and presents opportunities and options for states to pursue.
This issue describes provisions in the Affordable Care Act that assist states in expanding home- and community-based long-term care services, the growing grassroots movement to improve facility-based care, and innovative programs in Colorado, Michigan, and Rhode Island that seek to provide consumer-directed long-term care.
A look at how states are preparing to implement provisions of the health reform law, and an interview with Ray Sheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, about new roles for states in health reform implementation.
A look at how states are implementing the quality improvement provisions in the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009; Snapshots of New Mexico, Illinois and Louisiana; and more.
Federal and state efforts to enhance access to basic care, involving efforts to expand and leverage the primary care workforce and to develop and test new models of care delivery.
A look at state patient safety initiatives and nonpayment policies for preventable adverse events. Plus, an interview with safety expert Lucian Leape.
This issue explores the range of state health IT efforts, federal grants and other support for health IT, and challenges and lessons from state experiences.
A look at how states are responding to the fiscal crisis and uncertainty about federal health reform.
How are public health strategies shaping state health reform efforts? Plus, snapshots of initiatives in Vermont, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
State reactions to health care provisions in stimulus plan and to CHIP reauthorization, implications of federal budget for states, and more.
The impact of recent federal action on states; a matrix on the health content in the "State of the State" addresses; and more.
Assessing the prospects for federal health reform in 2009; state ballot initiatives on coverage; and more.
How are states trying to cover the uninsured in a worsening economy? Plus, a look at how the CMS directive limiting SCHIP expansions has affected state activity, related publications, and more.
A look at the new State Quality Improvement Institute and leading states' innovative efforts to redesign their health care systems, using such tools as incentive-based payment reform and information technology.
This issue focuses on pursuing value in health care, both in terms of improving quality and controlling costs; that is, "getting more bang for the buck." We describe new tools for measuring returns on investments, initiatives for managing high-cost and chronic care patients, and federally designated collaboratives that are implementing value-driven initiatives.
An update on progress in Massachusetts, two years after passage of its comprehensive health reform legislation; how states are trying to control health care costs; comparing the presidential candidates' health plans; and more.
Results of a survey exploring states' current e-health activities; three states take different approaches to covering the uninsured with limited public funds; and more.
A look at state patient safety programs; how Arizona and Florida are promoting health information exchange; presidential candidates' health reform plans; and more.
A look at how states are using incentives to promote healthy behaviors; promising programs in Illinois, San Francisco, and Washington State; presidential candidates' health reform plans; and more.
How states are using the Fund's State Scorecard on Health System Performance; Louisiana aims to provide medical homes; presidential candidates' health plans; and more
A close look at how federal action on SCHIP funding and eligibility rules will affect states' efforts to expand and improve children's coverage. Plus, state activity in public reporting and health IT; presidential candidates' health care reform proposals; and more.
In this issue: States seek to strengthen the overall performance of the health system, in addition to expanding coverage. Plus, the first statewide health data network, in Delaware; Pennsylvania hospitals improve control of hospital infections; Washington State integrates physical and behavioral health services; and more.
In this issue: opportunities and challenges for states in the use of performance incentives in Medicaid. Plus, Louisiana redesigns New Orleans' health system; Maine investigates ways to pay for Dirigo Health; New York considers closing hospitals; and more.
In this issue: Washington State consumers join with health purchasers, payers, and providers to reform health care. Plus, West Virginia's Medicaid redesign, Rhode Island's health information exchange, and more.
A profile of Wisconsin's efforts to publicly report information about the costs and quality of health care and snapshots of coverage expansion efforts in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee, and more. Plus: an analysis of Medicaid's new citizenship documentation requirement.
A profile of Washington State's approach to drug purchasing, snapshots of coverage expansion efforts in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Maryland, and more. Plus: how the federal Deficit Reduction Act will affect Medicaid programs and beneficiaries.
In this issue: Louisiana's push to enroll children in public health insurance; South Dakota's efforts to enhance children's access to oral health care; and more.
In this issue: Profiles of North Carolina's success in child developmental screening; Michigan's approach to health disparities; required cultural competency training in New Jersey; and more.
In this issue: Minnesota's Smart-Buy Alliance, California's Children's Health Initiatives, a DirigoChoice Update, and more.