Michiganders from multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds say their health has improved and they have access to regular care through a doctor’s office, after enrolling in the state’s Medicaid expansion for low-income adults, a new study finds. The improvements were especially pronounced among low-income white, Black and Latino Michiganders. Some improvements were seen among low-income … Read more
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we will be in person at our 2022 Hawaii State of Reform Health Policy Conference this year. I think things are moving in the right direction and once kiddos can get vaccinated, I know a number of folks will be even more comfortable. Vaccinations will be required. On a … Read more
After more than a decade writing and editing this newsletter, 5 Things We’re Watching, in a range of states like Florida, I’m passing the baton to our managing editor, Emily Boerger. She’s one of the best and brightest among a super smart team here at State of Reform. I’ll have an occasional column, but Emily … Read more
The Biden administration is encountering turbulence as it pushes a major domestic program and climate change bill in Congress, which is not surprising given the size of what is being contemplated. The president and leading Democrats originally had targeted $3.5 trillion in new spending over ten years as their goal, offset with tax hikes, spending … Read more
The Urban Institute recently released a study showing the increase in Medicaid enrollment growth rates in states across the country, due to “unprecedented” job loss and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s prohibition on disenrolling beneficiaries. The study found that Utah had the highest enrollment growth rate in the country in the last six months … Read more
We had a bit of news yesterday. State of Reform has joined the HMA family of companies. That family includes the Leavitt Partners, which is a national institution among health consultancies based in SLC. So, this alignment deepens our roots in Utah and connects Leavitt and State of Reform at the hip. So, we’re very excited about … Read more
You may have seen my note yesterday about our news that State of Reform is now part of the HMA family of companies. It’s a smart, mission-driven group of folks at work to improve the health care systems for the communities they serve. So, there is strong cultural alignment with us, we’re happy to say. For … Read more
COVID-19 vaccination rates among Utah’s Medicaid population is significantly lower than rates of all Utahns, said a recently released report from Utah Medicaid. Emma Chacon, interim Medicaid director at the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), said the issue is present around the country. Chacon said she has implemented non-emergency transportation, expanded outreach, and competitive incentives … Read more
Six Washington State lawmakers — three Republican and three Democratic — gathered last week to discuss pressing health care issues and policies they expect to address in the upcoming 2022 legislative session. The conversations took place during two separate panels at the 2021 Inland Northwest State of Reform Health Policy Conference. Rep. Jessica … Read more
We are looking forward to seeing many of you next week at our 2021 North Texas State of Reform Health Policy Conference! Our audience of about 250 folks from across the spectrum of Texas health care will again be virtual this year. So, while you can’t join us at the Irving Convention Center, you can … Read more