Blogs / Reports
FEATURED ARTICLE
Report from Focus Groups with Mainers about the Dirigo Health Plan
/in Policy Reports /by NASHPThis paper reports on the results of focus group studies conducted to ascertain Maine citizens’ views of the Dirigo Health Reform Act. Dirigo Focus Groups 363.7 KB
Health Reform in Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont: An Examination of State Strategies to Improve Access to Affordable, Quality Care
/in Policy Reports /by NASHPThis issue brief was prepared by NASHP for the Maine Health Access Foundation to examine the progress of health reform in Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont and to compare these three states’ efforts. The brief was developed and written by Neva Kaye and Andrew Snyder. The brief includes information on: • An overview and summary of the […]
Designing Maine’s DirigoChoice™ Benefit Plan – Striving to Improve Health at an Affordable Price
/in Policy Reports /by NASHPMaine’s Dirigo Health Reform Act of 2003 seeks to address health care costs, quality, and access. In order to address access, the Act authorizes the creation of a voluntary market-based health plan to help small businesses, the self-employed, and individuals afford health coverage. This issue brief addresses benefit design of the health plan, DirigoChoice™. Dirigo_Benefit_Plan.pdf […]
State Efforts to Extend Dependent Coverage for Young Adults
/in Policy Reports /by NASHPThis State Health Policy Monitor gives an overview of the key features of state laws designed to expand dependent coverage options for young adults. Policy makers are becoming aware that young adults are the fastest growing group of uninsured in America. In fact, they are more likely to be uninsured than any other age group. […]
Chronic Homelessness and High Users of Health Services: Report from a Meeting to Explore a Strategy for Reducing Medicaid Spending While Improving Care
/in Policy Reports /by NASHPThere is evidence that homeless people, especially the chronically homeless, incur high health care costs, much of which may be paid for with Medicaid funds. There is also evidence that health care costs are reduced when homeless people with intensive medical needs enter supportive housing, which combines affordable, stable housing with care workers who assist […]
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
NASHP Executive Director Trish Riley Announces Retirement, Named President Emerita
/in Policy Blogs, Featured News Home /by Trish RileyIn my first job, almost a half century ago, I had the privilege of leading Maine’s successful effort to abolish mandatory retirement – my first experience with a state breaking ground – well before federal action to do the same. I fought hard to ensure that no one had to leave a job because of […]