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Policymaking in the Age of Affordability: Surveys Show Bipartisan Support for Wide Range of Health Care Policies
Authors: Alexandra Allen, MSPPM, Beth Beaudin-Seiler, PhD Health care affordability is a top concern for patients, families, and employers, and a leading issue residents want state policymakers to address. High costs strain household budgets, increase stress, and contribute to reduced access to care and poorer health outcomes. Nearly half of U.S. adults struggle to afford […]
Read MoreFacing the Future: Understanding Federal Policy Changes and their Effect on Coverage and Affordability
The Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHESS) consistently reveals that affordability remains the top barrier preventing individuals from obtaining health insurance and accessing necessary care. With the enactment of the House Reconciliation bill (H.R. 1), these financial challenges are poised to intensify for many Americans. Join the Hub and a panel of experts for a […]
Read MoreNew Mexico Passes Laws to Support Resident Health Costs in Special Session
New Mexico lawmakers concluded a special legislative session during which the governor signed three of four bills aimed at offsetting anticipated federal funding cuts, particularly to health care and food-assistance programs, reports the New Mexico Political Report. Among the key measures: $17 million to reduce health-insurance premiums on the state exchange; removal of income caps so that […]
Read MoreMaine Joins Northeast Public Health Collaborative
The state of Maine has joined the regional Northeast Public Health Collaborative, alongside other Northeastern states and New York City, to coordinate public-health guidance and vaccine access amid shifts in federal recommendations, reports the Maine Morning Star. One priority of the collaborative is ensuring equitable access to vaccines, medications and services, which has implications for affordability by […]
Read MoreHawai’i Joins State Alliance to Coordinate Public Health Guidelines
The state of Hawai‘i is joining the West Coast Health Alliance alongside California, Oregon and Washington to coordinate public-health guidelines and vaccine recommendations, reports Island News. The Alliance aims to ensure consistent, evidence-based immunization guidance across member states. Governor Josh Green emphasized Hawai‘i’s unique position as an island state and the importance of protecting communities from preventable […]
Read MoreMassachusetts Orders Insurers to Cover Vaccines based on Health Department Guidance
The state of Massachusetts has mandated that health insurers must cover any vaccines recommended by its Department of Public Health, even if those vaccines are not endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports Becker’s Payer Issues. The policy is billed as a way to ensure vaccines remain affordable and accessible, by preventing cost […]
Read MoreCalifornia Forms Health Alliance with Oregon, Washington
California, Washington and Oregon have announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance, designed to coordinate vaccine-recommendation policies and public-health guidance independent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports Reuters. Under the alliance, the states say they will issue unified recommendations on who should receive vaccines even if federal guidance changes, aiming to […]
Read MoreDelaware Governor Signs “Pre-Authorization Reform Act”
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed multiple public health bills in August including Senate Bill 12, the “Pre-Authorization Reform Act,” reported Delaware Public Media. Senate Bill 12 sets new standards for insurance pre-authorization, speeds up pre-authorization requests and approvals, and extends the time pre-authorization is valid for, among other changes.
Read MoreTexas Authorizes Certain Primary Care Service Contracts and Prohibits Global Capitation
Texas has passed legislation authorizing health insurance plans to enter certain contracts for primary care services, reports The National Law Review. Under HB 2254, insurance plans can enter fee-for-service arrangements, risk-sharing arrangements, capitation arrangements, or any combination of these models. The legislation also prohibits global capitation arrangements. The legislation took effect June 20, 2025.
Read MoreCalifornia Budget Rolls Back Coverage for Undocumented Adults
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed on Friday a budget that pares back a landmark health care expansion for low-income adult immigrants without legal status, reports the Los Angeles Times. Under the budget deal, California will stop enrolling new undocumented adults into its state-funded health program in 2026. Current enrollees, including some with legal status, under […]
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