Many critical aspects of federal health reform will be implemented by the states. Through program design, regulations, policies and practices, state decisions and actions already play a profound role in shaping the American health care system. Both the House and Senate reform proposals would dramatically change the federal structure within which state health policy operates. Part I of this State Policymakers’ Guide provides a high-level view of existing state roles in the health care system and how federal reform will affect those roles.
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November 2009
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This State Health Policy Briefing presents the issues identified by NASHP’s state leadership as their most significant priorities for improving their health systems. As Academy members discussed their priorities, a set of broader themes emerged. These larger policy goals are: Connect People to Needed Services; Promote Coordination and Integration in the Health System; Improve Care for Populations with Complex Needs; Orient the Health System toward Results; Increase Health System Efficiencies. This briefing also provides a more detailed list of states’ priorities presented in four major categories of state health policy: Coverage and Access; Health Systems Improvement; Special Services and Populations; and Long Term and Chronic Care.
November 2009 -
States will have enormous short-term and long-term needs for assistance as they grapple with federal health reform legislation. Significant federal and private resources to support state-level implementation will be necessary. Implementation support must be defined and coordinated quickly. Technical assistance must be provided in a manner that corresponds with state needs. State officials should be involved in the design of technical assistance so that it is most effective given varied state circumstances, needs, and capacities. Technical assistance should inspire innovation among leaders even as it helps all states meet minimum standards of performance.
November 2009
