Helping kids and families thrive takes more than one policy solution. At #NASHPCONF26, we’ll look at how states are strengthening child health, expanding maternity care access, advancing value-based care, and responding to youth mental health challenges. Register now at NASHP.org/conference

Open to the public: CMS and NASHP are hosting a webinar on the Medicaid community engagement requirements established by OBBBA. Hear directly from CMCS officials, get a walkthrough of the Interim Final Rule, and ask questions 🗓️ NEW DATE: Wednesday, July 22 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET loom.ly/fZH4Wl0

CMS has issued new guidance on budget neutrality for #Medicaid Section 1115 demonstrations. This guidance outlines key changes to certification, budget neutrality calculations, and monitoring for new demonstrations, amendments, and renewals submitted on or after January 1, 2027 loom.ly/J8IsqGA

Some of the biggest questions at #NASHPCONF26 will be about coverage, cost, and value. These sessions will explore how states are responding to affordability pressures, improving transparency, and adapting Medicaid in a changing environment. Get more details at NASHP.org/conference

NASHP’s latest Academy Spotlight features Lisa Lee, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. In our Q&A, she reflects on her path and how those experiences shape her approach to access, enrollment, and policy design.

NASHP, Mathematica, and the Rural Health Redesign Center held the second webinar highlighting opportunities for states pursuing rural payment reform. Get details in the recording

Open to the public: CMS and NASHP are hosting a webinar on the Medicaid community engagement requirements established by OBBBA. Hear directly from CMCS officials, get a walkthrough of the Interim Final Rule, and ask questions 🗓️ Thursday, July 9 | 12-1 p.m. ET loom.ly/fZH4Wl0

This week’s #WednesdayWisdom comes from Lisa Lee, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for #Medicaid Services. She spoke about her work for a recent @nashphealth.bsky.social Academy member spotlight. Read more here: go.rutgers.edu/9d746abg

OMB’s proposed rule for federal financial assistance could affect how states receive and manage federal grant funding across agencies. There are several key provisions states may want to review. Comments close on July 13, 2026 loom.ly/90HXveY

Missed NASHP’s webinar on state strategies to improve nursing home care? The recording and slide deck are now available, featuring insights from Kentucky, Maine, and Pennsylvania on key nursing home reform issues ⬇️

Attending, speaking, sponsoring or exhibiting at #NASHPCONF26? Our social media toolkit includes ready-to-use graphics and caption ideas to help you share your plans for New York City this September. Tag NASHP when you post so we can celebrate with you! Get the toolkit loom.ly/I-wYMOI

NASHP was glad to cosponsor Kentucky’s Respite Connections kick-off meeting in Frankfort. The discussion brought together caregiver lived experience, coalition planning, and practical ideas for improving support for family caregivers in Kentucky. Supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation

How are states approaching prevention right now? At #NASHPCONF26, we’ll look at public health infrastructure, chronic disease prevention, and cross-sector partnerships. Register now for early bird discounts at NASHP.org/conference

How are states advancing palliative care? NASHP’s three updated trackers show recent legislative and budget action, information and education efforts, and advisory councils or task forces across all 50 states and Washington, DC. Take a look loom.ly/Fp0MO7E

States are using data to take a closer look at what is driving high prescription drug costs. Join NASHP and NAHDO on Thursday, June 25, from 1–2 p.m. ET for a discussion on price transparency programs, all-payer claims databases, and how this information can shape policy decisions loom.ly/RSvPGRM

Aging and disability will be in focus at #NASHPCONF26. In these concurrent sessions, see how states are strengthening LTSS, improving care quality, and advancing person-centered approaches. Register NASHP.org/conference

CMS has published the interim final rule on Medicaid community engagement requirements. Comments due and rule effective: July 31, 2026 Required implementation date: January 1, 2027 Access the full interim rule loom.ly/De9oqmo NASHP will continue helping states assess what comes next.

A second webinar from NASHP, @mathematicanow.bsky.social, and the Rural Health Redesign Center (RHRC) will take a closer look at the building blocks for rural payment and delivery reform. Tuesday, June 16 | 3–4 p.m. ET Register loom.ly/QwRC1UU

For two years, the Learning and Action Network, created by NASHP and HARP, has facilitated collaboration between state leadership and corrections agencies. A new brief looks at the broader impact of that work across states loom.ly/1BSEWHc

There’s still time to nominate a standout state health policymaker for NASHP’s 2026 Rising Star Award, but not much. Submissions close this Friday, June 12. Help us recognize an emerging leader whose work deserves the spotlight! #NASHPCONF26

Better reentry outcomes often depend on how well systems work together. This blog post from NASHP and HARP looks at how Arizona, North Carolina, and North Dakota are improving coordination across supervision, health care, behavioral health & social services loom.ly/V6_Gi4Q

As we get ready for #NASHPCONF26, NASHP would like to thank our 2026 Host Committee for helping welcome this year’s conference to New York City! Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts The John A. Hartford Foundation Peterson Center on Healthcare @commonwealthfund.org New York Health Foundation

The session, "What Has This Year Wrought?" is moderated by Tom W. Johnson of @whyshoulditrustyou.bsky.social and features: • Alison Barkoff, JD, @gwpublichealth.bsky.social • Don Hoppert, APHA • Hemi Tewarson, JD, MPH, @nashphealth.bsky.social Register today! www.apha.org/events-and-m...

NASHP is launching a new state profile blog series on practical approaches to behavioral health integration, and Massachusetts is first. See how the state’s tiered payment model helped expand behavioral health services in primary care, with lessons other states may be able to adapt loom.ly/OC5JGcw

CMS has released a proposed rule to implement Section 71116 of OBBBA/Working Families Tax Cut Legislation, establishing new payment limits for certain state directed payments (SDPs). The proposal also includes changes that would take effect in 2029. Comments are due July 21, 2026 loom.ly/vCNLZU8

States are facing urgent behavioral health questions, from youth mental health to care across the lifespan. At #NASHPCONF26, upcoming sessions will explore how states are responding with practical strategies to support mental health and well-being across communities. Register NASHP.org/conference

Recent Dear Colleague Letters and related guidance from HHS and SAMHSA offer insight into current federal behavioral health priorities. While they do not create new Medicaid requirements, states may want to review them across agencies for possible implications loom.ly/aaeENFM

Join the final state-only Learning and Action Network session Wednesday, June 3 | 3:30–5 p.m. ET Join this closing discussion on how states are implementing hands-on strategies across systems to support successful reentry transitions. Register to join loom.ly/4blCj1Q

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