Know an emerging state health policy leader who brings fresh ideas and a real commitment to the field? Nominate them for NASHP’s Rising Star Award. The selected awardee will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to #NASHPCONF26 in New York City. Nominations due Friday, June 12 loom.ly/ZyJCYQY

Kinship caregivers, including grandparents and other relatives raising children, play an important role in supporting families and navigating care systems. SupportCaregiving.org includes an updated resource guide & a short video focused on strategies to support grandfamily and kinship caregivers ⬇️

Want to get an early start on #NASHPCONF26? State officials are invited to kick off the conference on Monday, September 28, with exclusive preconference sessions focused on deeper discussion, candid exchange, and the challenges shaping state health policy today. Get details at NASHP.org/conference

States continue to prioritize maternal health through strategies to strengthen perinatal health care systems and improve postpartum care. NASHP’s latest policy brief highlights leading state approaches. Read it here loom.ly/cruGfEY

Delaware, Nevada, Utah, Virginia & Washington have joined NASHP’s #Medicaid Policy and Strategy Learning Collaborative. The 18-month collaborative will focus on policy decisions, cross-sector programming, and investment approaches related to OBBBA implementation loom.ly/rTqe1-g

Join NASHP’s state-only webinar on new federal actions in the Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 and the Department of Labor’s proposed rule on PBM transparency and compensation to learn about the potential impact on state strategies. Register loom.ly/n3UFYA8

What’s on the agenda at #NASHPCONF26? Future-focused plenaries, practical breakout sessions, and dedicated networking opportunities are all part of this year’s program, along with discussions on the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing states. See the agenda NASHP.org/conference

Resources from the State Marketplace Network offer a timely look at how State-based Marketplaces are responding to significant policy shifts, including changes to eligibility and enrollment and the expiration of enhanced federal premium #tax credits. Find both links in thread ⬇️

This week, NASHP convened state opioid settlement administrators from 31 states and DC in Austin to discuss the effective spending of opioid settlement dollars. Thanks to the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts for their support and to @integralcareatx.bsky.social for a tour of their mobile unit.

State policymakers are interested in understanding how private equity is affecting health care affordability, access, and quality. With support from The Commonwealth Fund, NASHP partnered with Brown University and Harvard University to help answer these questions. Register loom.ly/BZk_1IQ

It's finally here ⏳ Registration is now open for NASHP’s 2026 Annual Conference! More than 1,000 health policy leaders from the public and private sectors will be in a Health Policy State of Mind. New York City | September 28–30. Register now at NASHP.org/conference #NASHPCONF26

States are taking bold steps to strengthen care in rural communities. NASHP’s Rural Health Transformation Program blog series covers community health workers, aging, behavioral health, primary care, and maternal and child health, with more in-depth posts to come loom.ly/0aEB3Pk

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚 #mentalhealth shapes how people experience care, navigate daily life, and maintain overall well-being. States can strengthen behavioral health strategies with NASHP’s resource hub on services, integrated care & collaboration. Learn more: loom.ly/kTevbz0

NASHP, in collaboration with @mathematicanow.bsky.social and RHRC, is hosting a webinar to launch a new project for states interested in payment reform and high-quality health care in rural areas. Thursday, May 21 | 2–3 p.m. ET Learn more here loom.ly/k3xU6BU

See how Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Dakota are working with community health workers to help bridge barriers to oral health services. NASHP’s recent webinar highlighted promising programs, partnerships, and state approaches. Get the details loom.ly/AmbSV6Y

States are advancing initiatives aligned with the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Our latest blog highlights progress shared by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin on caregiver outreach, services, and direct care workforce efforts. Read the blog here loom.ly/1BzEfS8

States’ mandatory coverage of certified nurse midwives (CNMs) under Medicaid can strengthen the maternal health workforce and improve access to perinatal care. NASHP’s newest brief highlights how states are approaching CNM coverage through Medicaid. Take a look loom.ly/j0GvNTk

Federal changes and Medicaid budget constraints make state MLTSS strategies especially important. Watch NASHP’s March 31 webinar, featuring a subject matter expert alongside policymakers from Texas and Virginia. Recording and slides loom.ly/TBLkZCc @arnoldventures.bsky.social

Upcoming #webinar! Hear insights from NASHP’s Nursing Home Learning Collaborative as leaders from Kentucky, Maine, and Pennsylvania discuss innovations in nursing home reform. Tuesday, June 9 | 3–4 p.m. ET Register to join loom.ly/SM_vl14

ICMA’s new survey report highlights local government awareness and actions around family caregiver supports, along with opportunities to better connect caregivers to available resources. Developed in partnership with NASHP and The John A. Hartford Foundation. Take a look loom.ly/4RLBfFo

States are taking different approaches to Medicaid reimbursement for doula services. NASHP’s updated tracker offers a state-by-state look at how these benefits are structured, including covered services, reimbursement rates, billing procedures, and more. See the tracker loom.ly/1sv_dds

More states are using #Medicaid coverage for doula services to strengthen the perinatal workforce and support access to #care. NASHP’s latest brief examines how Medicaid doula benefits have expanded since 2024 and highlights key state trends. Read the brief loom.ly/RZVvLCI

For Alcohol Awareness Month, we’re recognizing how states are working to prevent alcohol misuse and expand access to care. Rediscover NASHP resources on state strategies to prevent substance use and support recovery below 🧵

Is your state agency hiring for a key health policy role? NASHP can help expand the reach of your job posting and connect state entities with a broad network of health policy professionals. Submit your listing loom.ly/EHxmA0c See this week’s jobs ⬇️

For organizations committed to advancing state health policy, #NASHPCONF26 offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with leaders from across the country. More than 1,000 attendees will come together to share ideas & shape what’s next for states. Learn more about the opportunities loom.ly/O5b5kvc

During National Public Health Week, NASHP is highlighting how states are shaping public health systems that are better equipped to respond to emerging challenges. Visit NASHP.org to explore public health resources and see how states are improving population health #NPHW @apha.org

Family caregivers play a critical role in supporting treatment, monitoring changes, and navigating care for people with mental health and substance use needs. A new guide highlights how states can better support caregivers across behavioral health systems. Take a look loom.ly/9ur-Q4E

NASHP’s quarterly palliative care newsletter highlights state strategies, emerging policy trends, and practical resources to improve access to high-quality palliative care. Read the latest edition here loom.ly/RILQNlg

Oral health is part of overall health, yet many rural communities still struggle to access routine, preventive dental care. NASHP’s latest blog highlights state approaches to improving access, including examples from Colorado, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. Read more here loom.ly/40zMZa8

States are using quality measurement to support behavioral health integration and improve outcomes. A new NASHP brief outlines practical strategies to align quality efforts with integration goals. Read more and explore the strategies loom.ly/cCkc8zc

States are finding new ways to use paraprofessional providers to support children and youth with chronic and complex needs. NASHP’s latest brief highlights approaches involving community health workers, peer specialists, and care team extenders. Take a look loom.ly/nQMSIgA

Pregnant women, children, and families living in rural communities can face persistent and well-documented disparities in access to care. NASHP’s latest RHTP blog highlights proposed state approaches to addressing these gaps. See what states are proposing loom.ly/xeJzHdc

Bridging the Gaps: Community Health Workers and Oral Health Hear how states and community partners are working with CHWs to improve oral health access. Tuesday, April 7 | 3–4 p.m. ET Register loom.ly/mm1JuM4 Webinar developed with support from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

Save the date, we’re heading to New York City for #NASHPCONF26! From September 28–30, NASHP’s 2026 Annual State Health Policy Conference will bring together more than 1,000 state health policy leaders from all 50 states and DC. Sponsorship opportunities are now available at nashp.org/conference

All 50 states have enacted some form of PBM legislation. NASHP has updated its PBM legislation chart and overview table through the 2025 legislative session, with a view of common provisions and state approaches to regulation. See the updated resource here loom.ly/Zgv9dZo

Administration for Community Living’s National Caregiver Support Collaborative (NCSC) is hosting Aging Network Innovation Conversation. Tuesday, March 24 | 2-3 p.m. EST Hear from Pima Council on Aging about supports for aging, kinship, and tribal network organizations. Register loom.ly/2Zj0Cxw

For rural communities, access to primary care can shape both health outcomes and health care costs. NASHP’s latest RHTP blog highlights proposed primary care approaches related to access, workforce, and service delivery. Find more proposed RHTP strategies here loom.ly/7i9Tj9Y

We join the University of Maine in congratulating Trish Riley, NASHP’s founder and long-serving Executive Director, on receiving the Alumni Career Award. Her belief that NASHP should be “a place for the do-ers” continues to shape the organization and the field. Congratulations, Trish.

States are refining how Medicaid managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) programs deliver care. Hear policymakers from Texas and Virginia and an expert discuss strategies and innovations. Tuesday, March 31 | 3–4 p.m. ET Register 👉 loom.ly/LYrwmhw

NASHP and The Health and Reentry Project (HARP) have added new resources to the Reentry Resource Repository, including materials on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (#OBBBA) and reentry policy. Check out the updates 👉 loom.ly/MX0PmgA

Join the John A. Hartford Foundation on March 24 (2–3 p.m. ET) for a virtual policy briefing on how the Rural Health Transformation Program can expand age-friendly care in rural communities. Experts will discuss how states are using RHTP funds. Register loom.ly/lnQ0zE8

Behavioral health is a major focus of many Rural Health Transformation Program proposals. NASHP’s latest blog highlights state approaches across four areas: integrated care, crisis services, workforce investments and technology solutions. See more 👉 loom.ly/OwNVk3o

Seven states (Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) are participating in NASHP’s State Nursing Home Learning Collaborative. A new brief highlights strategies states are exploring to support nursing home reform. More here loom.ly/akkFiuU

NASHP compares two ways hospital operating margins are measured: the Hospital Cost Tool and audited financial statements. Because the tools rely on different data sources and entities, their margin calculations can differ. See how they compare 👉 loom.ly/Sb3DNhU

States are moving from strategy to implementation under the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. NASHP’s recent webinar includes updates from ACL, the John A. Hartford Foundation, and grant states on #caregiver outreach, services, and workforce efforts. Recording & slides loom.ly/Cggt92Q

States are proposing a range of approaches to address aging in their #Rural Health Transformation Program applications including technology to improve access and monitoring for older adults. Find the overview of state trends here loom.ly/oc9j6BY

CMS has released its annual proposed health insurance rule, outlining eligibility changes, plan oversight updates, and a new state Marketplace model. Comments are due March 13, 2026. NASHP highlights what state leaders should know loom.ly/VQnFjZc

South Dakota has released preliminary findings from an analysis of #Medicaid beneficiaries who received community health worker services. The results offer insight into utilization and cost trends that can inform program design and coverage decisions. Read more 👉 loom.ly/DkfVeD4

Jessica Altman of Covered California and Richard “Fig” Figueroa from Governor Newsom’s office share how personal experience shaped their work in health policy. The Academy Spotlight explores leadership, collaboration, and advancing reforms in California. More here 👉 loom.ly/f2THm9g

NASHP, with support from Arnold Ventures (@arnoldventures.bsky.social), invites states to apply for an 18-month learning collaborative focused on Medicaid policy decisions & implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act #OBBBA. Find out more loom.ly/1T10S9M