Committed to improving the health and well-being of all people across every state.

Annual Conference 2022

#NASHPCONF22: Forecast for State Health Policy

September 12-14, 2022 | Seattle, Washington

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Monday, September 12

Preconferences 

Better Together: State Innovations in Family Caregiving and the Direct Care Workforce

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The pandemic heightened reliance on family caregivers and the shortage of direct care workers who provide care for older adults and people with disabilities. With Medicaid as the largest public payer of long-term services and supports, states are playing a major role in addressing these crises. This one-day, in-person, peer-to-peer learning opportunity will feature state policies and promising practices to support family caregivers and the direct care workforce.

Supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

  • Susan Engels, Office Chief, Washington State Unit on Aging, DSHS/ALTSA/HCS
  • Amy Hewitt, Director/Professor, University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration
  • Nancy Maier, Director, North Dakota Department of Human Services, Adult and Aging Services Division
  • Lisa McGuire, Lead, Alzheimer’s Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Bea-Alise Rector, Assistant Secretary, DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration of Washington State
  • Amber Slitchta, Vice President of Programs & Learning, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
  • Rani Snyder, Vice President of Program, The John A. Hartford Foundation

How States Are Addressing Rising Health Care Costs: Understanding the Data and Policy Strategies

State only: 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Open: 12:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Health care costs continue to rise, leaving states, as major purchasers of care and regulators, to understand what’s driving these costs and to assess what strategies are best suited to addressing the needs of their unique markets. National and state data clearly highlight that hospital and health system costs represent the biggest proportion of health care spend, while prescription drugs are the fastest rising costs. As a result, a growing number of states are seeking solutions to address both health care cost drivers.

This preconference will explore how states are using data to inform their strategies for policy change across both prescription drug pricing and hospital and health system costs. The first half of the preconference will be open to state officials only and then in the afternoon, stakeholders are welcome to join. Throughout the day, there will be discussions on data, policy strategies, challenges, and successes.

  • Sarah Bartelmann, Cost Growth Target Program Manager, Oregon Health Authority
  • Erin Fuse Brown, Catherine C. Henson Professor; Director, Center for Law, Health & Society, Georgia State University College of Law
  • Kaha Hizanishvili, Chief of the Office of Provider and Pharmacy Programs, MassHealth
  • Leah Hole-Marshall, General Counsel and Chief Strategist, Washington Health Benefit Exchange
  • Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Senator, Colorado State Senate
  • Michelle Mello, Professor of Law and Health Policy, Stanford University
  • Elizabeth Mitchell, President and CEO, Purchaser Business Group on Health
  • Ryan Pistoresi, Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer, Washington State Health Care Authority
  • Margaret Smith-Isa, Program Development Specialist, Oregon Health Authority — Public Employees’ Benefit Board and Oregon Educators Benefit Board
  • Andrew Stolfi, Oregon Insurance Commissioner, Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services
  • Patrick Tigue, Health Insurance Commissioner, State of Rhode Island
  • Renee Walk, Strategic Health Policy Director, Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds
  • Andrew York, Executive Director, Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board

4:30–5:45 p.m.

Welcome and Opening Plenary — What Is the Forecast for State Health Policy?

Welcome

  • Jane Beyer, Chair, NASHP and Senior Health Policy Advisor, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
  • Sue Birch, Director, Washington State Health Care Authority
  • Governor Jay Inslee, Washington State

Opening Plenary — What Is the Forecast for State Health Policy?

Given the collective experience of the last few years, this session will address how state policymakers are addressing challenges and innovating to improve health for those they serve. Senior state leaders will share their major health-related priorities for the coming years and how they are addressing outstanding challenges.

  • Patrick Allen, Director, Oregon Health Authority
  • Cindy Gillespie, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Human Services
  • Dannette Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  • Hemi Tewarson (moderator), President and Executive Director, NASHP

5:45–6:45 p.m.

Opening Reception (On-site)

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Tuesday, September 13

8:30–9:45 a.m. 

Morning Plenary — Economic Outlook and the Impact on the Health Care Workforce

Amidst rising concern about inflation and longer-term economic outlook, attendees will learn where the U.S. economy and labor market is now, where it may be headed, and how those considerations may influence state health policymaking. A panel discussion will follow featuring state and national health care leaders to reflect on challenges and concrete strategies to support the health care workforce.

Keynote

  • Dan White, Senior Director of Economic Research, Moody’s Analytics

Panel Discussion

  • Ena Backus, Director of Health Care Reform, Vermont Agency of Human Services
  • Daniel Rusyniak, Secretary, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
  • Joanne Spetz, Director, Phillip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
  • Hemi Tewarson (moderator), President and Executive Director, NASHP

10:00–11:30 a.m. 

Paying It Forward: Investing in the LTSS Workforce

Across the country there is an increasing shortage of long-term care workers, which is requiring states to think about new ways to solve this longstanding challenge. State leaders will describe how they are making investments to recruit and retain direct care workers in the community and the need to identify creative ways to expand this workforce.

Supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation

  • Amy Hewitt, Director/Professor, University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration
  • Dawn Lambert, Co-Leader Community Options, Connecticut Department of Social Services, Division of Health Services
  • Dave Richard, Deputy Secretary, NC Medicaid, North Carolina DHHS

State Strategies to Support Children’s Mental Health

The mental health needs of children and youth have been increasing for years, and are now exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. States are advancing innovative approaches to address children’s mental health crisis during and beyond the pandemic. This session will highlight state strategies including increasing access to school-based mental health services, expanding the pediatric mental health workforce, and navigating critical needs and gaps in residential treatment.

  • Melissa Stafford Jones, Director of the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, CalHHS
  • Wendy White Tiegreen, Director of Medicaid Coordination and Health System Innovation, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
  • Charlene Wong (moderator), Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
 

Reining in Rising Health Care Costs

Health care cost trends continue to climb with hospitals accounting for the largest proportion of our health care dollar and prescription drug costs increasing at the most rapid rate. This session will explore state approaches to slow increasing health costs while assuring access to needed services and lifesaving drugs for consumers as inflation rates climb.

Supported by Arnold Ventures

  • Mary Jo Condon, Director, Office of Value Based Health Care Delivery, Delaware Department of Insurance
  • Richard Figueroa, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, State of California — Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
  • Kate Harris, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Life & Health Policy, Colorado Division of Insurance
  • Shabnam Salih, Director, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, Office of the Governor Philip D. Murphy
  • David Seltz (moderator), Executive Director, Massachusetts Health Policy Commission

After the Rain the Sun Will Appear: Applying Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic to the Future of Public Health

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront the unique and invaluable roles played by state and local health departments, as well as opportunities to advance public health goals in a sustainable way through new partnerships with the broader health system. This session will focus on applying lessons from the pandemic to modernize public health and leverage and build on links to the health system in the service of common public health goals.

  • Natasha Bagdassarian, Chief Medical Executive, State of Michigan
  • Cara Biddlecom, Deputy Public Health Director, Oregon Health Authority
  • Oliver Droppers (moderator), Deputy Director, Policy Research, Oregon Legislature
  • Judy Monroe, President and CEO, CDC Foundation

Roundtable — Oral Health Equity: Something to Smile About

Oral health is integral to overall health, yet oral health inequities persist. Several Medicaid programs added or expanded adult dental coverage this year, and others like Washington are piloting enhanced dental benefits for pregnant people and adults with chronic conditions. States also are engaging providers such as community health workers in supporting oral health. What are opportunities and strategies to tackle costly, preventable oral health needs while improving overall health and advancing health equity?  This roundtable will provide a forum to share and discuss relevant policy innovations in states.

Supported by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. 

Lunch Plenary — Community Partnerships in State Policymaking

Attendees will hear from state and community leaders on building partnerships and engaging communities in state health policymaking.

In addition, NASHP will celebrate its membership and state policymakers at large through the Academy Award and Rising Star Award. NASHP will also introduce attendees to the 2022 class of Emerging Leaders of Color (ELC) Fellows and their advisors.

  • Stacey Carless, Executive Director, NC Counts Coalition
  • Debra Farrington, Deputy Secretary/Chief Health Equity Officer, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
  • Charissa Fotinos, Medicaid and Behavioral Health Medical Director, Washington State Health Care Authority
  • Vicki Lowe, Executive Director, American Indian Health Commission for Washington State
  • Kelly Ramsey, Chief of Medical Services, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports
  • Hemi Tewarson (moderator), President and Executive Director, NASHP

1:30–3:00 p.m. 

State Innovations Addressing the Substance Use Disorder Epidemic

States have now been combatting the opioid epidemic for over a decade — what have we learned, and what is really working? This session will focus on emerging evidence-based practices and policies that are demonstrating results in tackling opioid and polysubstance use disorders.

Supported by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts

  • Allen Brenzel, Medical Director, Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
  • Kelly Ramsey, Chief of Medical Services, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

No Belaboring the Point: Advancing Equitable Perinatal Health Policy

States are promoting infants’ social-emotional development and maternal health through Medicaid coverage, payment, and care delivery changes, including increasing access to maternal health providers (e.g., doulas, midwives, community health workers). In this session, state leaders will highlight state innovations to improve access to postpartum health and mental health services.

Supported through the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Supporting State Maternal and Child Health Policy Innovation Program (MCH PIP)

The Long Unwinding Road: Ending the Public Health Emergency

Through a mix of legislation and policy options granted by the federal government, states seized opportunities to ensure continuous coverage and increased flexibility in service delivery during the pandemic. While successfully unwinding Medicaid’s continuous coverage provision is critically important, it is one of many policies that need attention as the federal public health emergency ends. This session will include discussions on re-initiating Medicaid disenrollments as part of renewals after pausing them for over two years, as well as state review of multiple flexibilities and whether to maintain them or not.

Supported by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

  • Lisa Lee, Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
  • René Mollow (moderator), Deputy Director, California Department of Health Care Services
  • Jeff Nelson, Director, CHIP Director, Utah Department of Health
  • Zach Sherman, Executive Director, Pennie — Pennsylvania Insurance Exchange
  • Dawn Stehle, Deputy Director for Health and Medicaid Director, Arkansas Department of Human Services

Diving into Workforce: Building a More Equitable Public Workforce

Health care workforce shortages are reaching crisis levels across the country. State and local public health and human services agencies need to build a workforce to reflect and meet community needs. This session will dive into best practices to hire and retain a health serving workforce and highlight ideas for state public health entities to attract a more diverse and representative workforce.

  • Jamye Chapman, Policy Initiatives Advisor — Executive, State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services
  • Christine Comer, Client Services Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
  • Caprice Knapp (moderator), Medicaid Director, North Dakota Department of Human Services
  • India Ornelas, Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington

3:00–3:30 p.m. 

Blueberry Break

3:30–5:00 p.m. 

It’s Not a Crime to Be Ill: Emerging Behavioral Health Strategies

Having a serious mental illness (SMI) puts one at risk for a host of adverse outcomes, including incarceration. Jails and prisons — ill-equipped to promote recovery — are the largest and least effective providers of mental health services across the country. This session will focus on policy levers and community-oriented approaches that reduce the risk of arrest and incarceration for people with SMI.

  • Lauren Davis, State Representative, Washington State House of Representatives
  • Manka Dhingra (moderator), State Senator, Washington State Senate
  • Tad Gary, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Care
  • Brian Stettin, Senior Advisor on Severe Mental Illness, New York City Office of the Mayor

Improving Systems of Care for Children with Medical Complexity

Children with medical complexity (CMC) often require specialized pediatric care, prescription medications, and medical technology and equipment. This session will highlight state innovations to improve systems of care and health outcomes for CMC. Strategies covered will include the design of specialized health care delivery systems, targeted quality strategies, value-based payment models, and the role of public health and cross-sector partnerships.

Supported by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health

  • Jeff Brosco (moderator), Professor, University of Miami
  • Becky Burns, Statewide Coordinator, CYSHCN
  • Anthony Dekker, Chief Medical Officer, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Economic Security, State of Arizona

A Visit to the Seattle Gum Wall: States Making Federal Policy Stick

There are increasing federal and state requirements on insurers and providers aimed at ensuring consumers have comprehensive health coverage. However, translating legislative mandates into meaningful policies that state insurance regulators can enforce is very challenging. This session will explore how states are approaching the implementation of multiple laws — from mental health parity to surprise billing — by leveraging plan design, provider credentialing, network adequacy, and more.

Supported by Arnold Ventures

  • Jessica Altman, Executive Director, Covered California
  • Joanne Rawlings-Sekunda, Director, Consumer Health Care Division, Maine Bureau of Insurance
  • Andrew Stolfi (moderator), Oregon Insurance Commissioner, Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services

Wiring for Maximizing Health: Collaborative Partnerships to Address Social Drivers of Health

Many states are looking for opportunities to incorporate whole-person care initiatives into the health care delivery system. Communication between health care providers, community-based organizations, and state agencies is critical to making successful connections to address individuals’ social needs. This session will present successful examples of community information exchange and how states are using Medicaid and other policy levers to be creative in addressing the social drivers of health.

  • Chris DeMars (moderator), Interim Director, Delivery system Innovation Office and Director, Transformation Center, Oregon Health Authority
  • Jennie Harvell, Senior Advisor, Health IT Section, Washington State Health Care Authority
  • Jay Ludlam, Assistant Secretary for Medicaid, North Carolina DHHS Division of Health Benefits
  • Susan Podshadley, Program Director, Social Determinants of Health, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

6:00–8:00 p.m. 

Evening Reception (Off-site)

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Wednesday, September 14

8:00–9:15 a.m. 

Breakfast Plenary — Powerful Partnerships: Opportunities for Federal-State Collaboration

Key federal officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will share perspectives on Medicaid and behavioral health including opportunities for partnership between the federal government and states.

In addition, NASHP will announce the recipients of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2022 Medicaid Innovation Award.

  • Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and Administrator, SAMHSA
  • Hemi Tewarson (moderator), President and Executive Director, NASHP
  • Daniel Tsai, Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, CMS

9:30–10:45 a.m. 

See Me, Hear Me: Next Generation Person-Centered Care

States and the federal government are invested in ensuring that people — especially those with complex needs or chronic illness — are supported to meaningfully engage in decisions about their own care. As a result of the pandemic, person-centered practices have assumed even greater significance. This session will explore how states are using innovative tools and approaches to engage people and their families in decision making and service planning.

Supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation

  • Jason McGill (moderator), Assistant Director, Medicaid Programs Division, Washington State Health Care Authority
  • Judy Mohr Peterson, Hawaii State Medicaid Director, Med-QUEST, DHS, Hawaii
  • Dena Stoner, Director, Innovation Strategy, IDD/BH Division, Texas Health and Human Services

Moving the Needle on Preventive Care for Children

Routine preventive care, including well-child visits and immunizations, is foundational to children’s health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, states implemented flexibilities that improved access to these services via telehealth, while also supporting in-person services as needed. This session will feature state strategies and considerations to support children’s increased access to preventive care during the pandemic and beyond, including strategies for navigating the balance between telehealth and in-person services.

Supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation

  • Suzanne Berman, Managing Partner, Plateau Pediatrics
  • Shirley Payne (moderator), Assistant Commissioner, Public Health Protection Commission, Indiana Department of Health
  • Ryan Van Ramhorst, Chief Medical Director, Medicaid/CHIP Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  • Heather Roth, Immunization Branch Chief, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
 

What’s Brewing? Revisioning Payment Models

Rising costs, workforce shortages, and increasing care complexities are demanding thoughtful approaches to delivery and payment reforms across payers, including public programs and employer-based coverage. This session will explore how states are seeking to develop new models and leverage value-based payment across different programs to approach population-based care.

  • Jay Ludlam (moderator), Assistant Secretary for Medicaid, NC DHHS Division of Health Benefits
  • Chris DeMars, Interim Director, Delivery system Innovation Office and Director, Transformation Center, Oregon Health Authority
  • Megan Renfrew, Associate Director of External Affairs, Health Services Cost Review Commission

Changing Tides: Investing in Equity

With so many resources coming to states, are they strategically investing in equity? In this session, state leaders will discuss state legislation and executive action taken to advance health equity. The discussion will highlight best practices to coordinate and invest in health equity efforts across the state, as informed by the community.

  • Nathan Chomilo, Medicaid Medical Director, Minnesota Department of Human Services
  • Krissie Guerard, Health Equity Director, North Dakota Department of Health
  • Karrah Herring, Chief Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity Officer, State of Indiana
  • Jamie Thongphet, Tribal Health Liaison, North Dakota Department of Health
  • Joseline Peña-Melnyk (moderator), Chair, Health and Government Operations Committee, Maryland House of Delegates

Roundtable — Exploring State-Funded Coverage Expansions: An Interagency State-Only Discussion

Finding ways to provide affordable, state-funded coverage options for low-income individuals who do not qualify for federally-funded health coverage programs based on their immigration status remains one of the biggest barriers to achieving universal coverage. In this state-only round table, representatives from Medicaid, state-based marketplaces, and state divisions of insurance will convene to discuss innovative strategies to enhance access and affordability for these individuals and families.

11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. 

The Last Frontier: Building Rural Crisis Systems

Behavioral health crisis systems are receiving more attention than ever before — but building effective systems in rural and frontier areas remains a real challenge for states. This session will feature innovative models and strategies that can support crisis services in remote and underserved areas.

Supported through a cooperative agreement with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

  • Robert Dole, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Texas Health and Human Services
  • Kevin Martone, Executive Director, Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc.
  • Carrie Slatton-Hodges, Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
  • Dena Stoner (moderator), Director, Innovation Strategy, IDD/BH Division, Texas Health and Human Services

Home Is Where the Child Is: Fostering Access to Prevention Services in Child Welfare

Many states are experiencing an increase in the number of children involved in child welfare, generally, and due to COVID-19. This session will highlight state innovations and strategies to improve outcomes and care for children in or at-risk of out-of-home placement. Presenters will discuss the role of public and private systems, including the use of specialized services and supports within state programs, data sharing between state Medicaid and child welfare programs, and opportunities for prevention.

  • Lesa Dennis, Deputy Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
  • Janet Kelly, Special Advisor, Office of the Governor
  • Lisa Lee (moderator), Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
  • Kelsey Potter, Vice President, Apple Health (Medicaid) Coordinated Care, Coordinated Care Health of Washington

We’ve Got You Covered: Affordable Coverage Strategies

States are seizing opportunities that aim to increase available and affordable coverage options to more people. These efforts include covering all children, providing post-partum pregnancy coverage through Medicaid, renewed interest in pursuing the basic health program, and more. During this session, state leaders will discuss their approaches to different coverage options in their states.

Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

  • Danielle Holahan, Executive Director, New York State of Health
  • Kevin Patterson, CEO, Connect for Health Colorado
  • Jeremy Vandehey (moderator), Health Policy and Analytics Director, Oregon Health Authority
  • Ben Winick, Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Connecting the Streams of Population Health and Public Health

As states look to improve population health, how are Medicaid and public health entities collaborating? This session will discuss the differences between population and public health and how the two sectors can coordinate around common outcome metrics to more effectively target and address the needs of high-risk populations.

  • Antonina Capurro, Deputy Administrator, Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy
  • Jacey Cooper, State Medicaid Director, California Department of Health Care Services
  • Ana Novais, Acting Secretary, Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services
  • Linette Scott (moderator), Deputy Director, Enterprise Data and Information Management, and Chief Data Officer, Department of Health Care Services

Roundtable — It’s Getting Hot in Here: Exploring Climate Change and Health

From severe weather events, to pollution, to insect borne disease addressing the impact of climate change on health has become more pressing. In this state-only round table, representatives from Medicaid and public health will convene to discuss improving health through investments in climate related initiatives and innovative strategies to build resilience in vulnerable communities.

Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

12:15–1:30 p.m. 

Closing Lunch — Inspiring the Next Generation of State Health Policymakers

Senior NASHP leadership and members will join up and coming state health policymakers to share their perspectives on navigating their state health policy journey — the inspiration, successes, challenges and opportunities.

  • Jane Beyer (moderator), Chair, NASHP and Senior Health Policy Advisor, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
  • Millie Dibble, Operations and Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority
  • Cheryl Roberts, Acting Director, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
  • Leilani Russell, Health Initiatives and Implementation Project Manager, Colorado Division of Insurance
  • Hemi Tewarson (closing speaker), President and Executive Director, NASHP
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