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COVID-19 Resources for States

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State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS), in partnership with Manatt Health, Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR), State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC), Bailit Health, and GMMB developed this resource page to serve as an accessible “one-stop” source of COVID-19 information for states. This resource is designed to support states seeking to make coverage and essential services available to all of their residents, especially high-risk and vulnerable people, during the COVID-19 pandemic. SHVS will update this page frequently with new resources as they become available.

If you have materials you are willing to share with other states through this page, or if there are topics of particular concern that you would like addressed, please contact SHVS.

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Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

The White House

The National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan lays out a roadmap to help fight COVID-19 in the future and focuses on four key goals: 1) protect and treat against COVID-19, 2) prepare for new variants, 3) prevent economic and educational shutdowns, and 4) continue to vaccinate the world.

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Date Created: Mar 4, 2022
Analysis Covid-19

Medicaid Churn Toolkit

With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Benefits Data Trust (BDT) developed a “Medicaid Churn Toolkit” to guide Medicaid agencies and their partners in the design and implementation of efforts to reduce churn as they plan for the resumption of normal eligibility and enrollment actions (including renewals, redeterminations, and post-enrollment verifications) and beyond. Federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily eliminated Medicaid churn since under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) states are prevented from disenrolling Medicaid beneficiaries. The protection the FFCRA affords, however, disappears once the federal public health emergency declaration ends, putting a significant number of Medicaid beneficiaries at risk for disenrollment and resulting in the resumption of churn within the Medicaid population. Investments in efforts that reduce Medicaid churn can result in more efficient Medicaid agencies and administrative cost savings, reducing staff workload and allowing staff and resources to be dedicated to other priorities. Interested individuals can tune into a webinar hosted by BDT on the toolkit on September 30.  SHVS is also planning programming to support states as they navigate the unwinding of the PHE and seek to mitigate coverage losses, so stay tuned. And in case you missed it, last week we published an expert perspective exploring the potential health equity implications of ending Medicaid continuous coverage following the end of the PHE.

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Date Created: Oct 1, 2021
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

CMS Released Updated Guidance Related to Planning for the Resumption of Normal State Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Program (BHP) Operations Upon Conclusion of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

CMS

On August 13, CMS released a State Health Official (SHO) letter that is intended to assist states in their planning efforts to resume routine Medicaid, CHIP, and BHP operations for the eventual end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Specifically, this SHO provides updated guidance that extends the timeframe for states to complete pending eligibility and enrollment work to up to 12 months after the PHE ends and requires states to complete a redetermination of eligibility after the PHE for all beneficiaries prior to taking any adverse action. This requirement is a departure from the earlier guidance that allowed states to terminate coverage at the end of the PHE if the individual had been found ineligible within six months of the end of the PHE. The updated unwinding guidance reiterates states’ obligations with respect to conducting full redeterminations and providing beneficiaries ample time to respond to requests for redeterminations. The guidance also encourages states to employ eligibility and enrollment strategies that promote continuity of coverage and reduce processing delays. The guidance did not indicate whether the federal PHE will be extended; HHS has previously indicated only that it expects to continue the PHE through the end of this year and will provide states with notice before terminating it. SHVS is continuing to examine the letter in detail and is exploring future programming to help states prepare for the end of the PHE. Stay tuned.

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Date Created: Aug 25, 2021
State Templates and Toolkits Covid-19

Federal Declarations and Flexibilities Supporting Medicaid and CHIP COVID-19 Response Efforts Effective and End Dates

SHVS/Manatt Health

To help states respond to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have invoked their emergency powers to authorize temporary flexibilities in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Congress’s legislative relief packages have provided additional federal support for state Medicaid programs, subject to certain conditions. The timeframes for these emergency measures are summarized in the chart, including the effective dates and expiration timelines dictated by law or agency guidance. The chart also includes current end dates, which are subject to change as federal and state officials take actions to renew or terminate particular authorities.

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Date Created: Aug 23, 2021
State Templates and Toolkits Covid-19

Medicaid’s Role in Supporting Children After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout the pandemic, the nation’s children have suffered in myriad ways during some of the most critical ages for healthy development. Children of color, children with greater existing health care needs and children dealing with the impacts of poverty have been the hardest hit. The National Association of State Medicaid Directors has released a report, Medicaid Forward: Children’s Health, that provides a close look at the realities the country is facing to aid the recovery of its children, as well as the innovations Medicaid programs across the country have made and are continuing to make to help millions of kids. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Programs, which cover about 2 in 5 American children and nearly half of all births, will be essential in the nation’s efforts to help children and their families recover from these impacts and build additional resilience for the future. NAMD is also hosting a webinar on Thursday, June 17 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET about the Medicaid Forward series and this second report focused on children’s health.

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Date Created: Jun 17, 2021
SHVS Resources Covid-19

American Rescue Plan’s New State Option for Community-Based Mobile Crisis Interventions

SHVS/Manatt Health

The recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), provides an exciting opportunity for states and localities to invest in a more equitable, comprehensive, and integrated crisis system that connects individuals in behavioral health crisis with specialized and appropriate behavioral health treatment. The new mobile crisis provision can help states address rising behavioral health needs worsened by COVID-19. States that take up the new option to provide community mobile crisis intervention services for a five-year period beginning in April 2022 will receive an 85 percent enhanced federal matching rate for qualifying services for the first three years of state coverage. To further encourage states, ARP includes $15 million in planning grants to support state efforts to develop a state plan amendment (SPA) or waiver request.

State Health and Value Strategies hosted a webinar during which experts from Manatt Health provided an overview and considerations on the state option to provide community mobile crisis interventions services included in ARP. Presenters walked through key questions on the new option, reviewed promising models for crisis mobile intervention services, and shared strategies for equitable design and implementation. The webinar  included a question and answer session during which webinar participants posed their questions to the experts on the line. In case you missed it, the corresponding expert perspective, American Rescue Plan Provides a New Opportunity for States to Invest in Equitable, Comprehensive and Integrated Crisis Services, is posted on our website.

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Date Created: Jun 16, 2021
SHVS Resources Covid-19

American Rescue Plan’s New State Option for Community-Based Mobile Crisis Interventions

SHVS/Manatt Health

On Monday, June 14, State Health and Value Strategies is hosting a webinar during which experts from Manatt Health will provide an overview and considerations on the state option to provide community mobile crisis interventions services included in American Rescue Plan. Presenters will walk through key questions on the new option, review promising models for crisis mobile intervention services, and share strategies for equitable design and implementation. The webinar will include a question and answer session during which webinar participants can pose their questions to the experts on the line.

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Date Created: Jun 2, 2021
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Every Nevadan Recovery Framework

Nevada

The framework ensures the state has a strategic planning process for the discretionary funds allocated directly to the state

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Date Created: May 19, 2021
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Treasury Issues Rules for $350 Billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

SHVS/Manatt Health

A key provision of the American Rescue Plan is the establishment of the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for eligible state, local, territorial and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. On May 10, the Department of the Treasury released information relating to the Fiscal Recovery Funds. This expert perspective provides a short summary of the eligible uses, key areas for comment and what to expect next related to Fiscal Recovery Funds.

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Date Created: Jun 2, 2021
Analysis Covid-19

Three Principles for an Antiracist, Equitable State Response to COVID-19 — and a Stronger Recovery

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

COVID-19’s effects have underscored the ways the nation’s history of racism, bias, and discrimination are embedded in the health, social, and economic systems. A new report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities highlights three principles state policymakers can consider to enact antiracist, equitable, and inclusive policies that build an economic recovery that extends to all people. Adhering to these three equity principles would help states take advantage of this moment. States can make transformative policy changes to drastically reduce the severe hardships that millions of people will otherwise experience in the months and years ahead, sharply reduce long-standing inequities rooted in historical racism and other forms of oppression, and build revenue systems capable of sustaining a future in which people no longer go hungry and get the housing, health care, and other supports they require.

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Date Created: May 10, 2021
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Federal Declarations and Flexibilities Supporting Medicaid and CHIP COVID-19 Response Efforts Effective and End Dates

SHVS/Manatt Health

To help states respond to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have invoked their emergency powers to authorize temporary flexibilities in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Congress’s legislative relief packages have provided additional federal support for state Medicaid programs, subject to certain conditions. The timeframes for these emergency measures are summarized in the chart, including the effective dates and expiration timelines dictated by law or agency guidance. The chart also includes current end dates, which are subject to change as federal and state officials take actions to renew or terminate particular authorities. This SHVS product has been updated to reflect HHS’s April 15 notice renewing the federal Public Health Emergency.

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Date Created: May 10, 2021
State Examples and Models Covid-19

State of Alaska’s Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency

Alaska

State of Alaska’s Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency

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Date Created: Mar 4, 2021
SHVS Resources Covid-19

How States Are Managing the COVID-19 Recession and the Implications for State Health Programs

State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, states face new fiscal challenges in crafting their budgets for fiscal year 2022 amid significant uncertainty with regard to the trajectory of the virus and the promise of more federal relief. This expert perspective provides an updated view of the current state budget landscape, examining in greater detail the health care implications of choices states made to address deficits and balance their budgets in the face of the severe budget shortfalls they confronted for fiscal year 2021.

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Date Created: Jan 28, 2021
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Ensuring Equity: State Strategies for Monitoring COVID-19 Vaccination Rates by Race and Other Priority Populations

SHVS/SHADAC

The rollout of vaccines designed to end the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has begun in earnest across the United States. Currently, each state is responsible for determining how to allocate, distribute, track, and report its vaccine allotment from the federal government, although the federal government is expected to take on a larger role under a new Biden administration. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color have been disproportionately impacted by both higher risks of infection and poorer health outcomes, and many are concerned that an inequitable or inefficient distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine may further widen health inequities among these populations. One way to help ensure the equitable administration of COVID-19 vaccine is to track vaccine administration disaggregated for key subpopulations, such as gender, race and ethnicity, and geography (e.g., urban vs. rural). This expert perspective reviews the data states are currently publically reporting related to vaccine administration and provides an interactive map that explores the extent to which all 50 states are reporting vaccine administration data breakdowns by age, gender, race, ethnicity, provider type, and level of geography. The expert perspective also discusses what current data sources states are using to provide this information and provides an overview of options states can consider to collect information about the administration of COVID-19 vaccine in populations via survey data.

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Date Created: Jan 22, 2021
Analysis Covid-19

Advancing Equity in the Nation’s COVID-19 Public Health Response and Recovery Efforts: Options for a New Administration

Milken Institute School of Public Health

This paper identifies the services that are essential to an equity-centric approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the infrastructure and workforce needed to ensure these services are available and have an equity focus. It reviews a set of administrative and legislative steps that the new presidential administration can take to strengthen the immediate response to the pandemic and address the long-term health and social needs the pandemic has exacerbated. Finally, it offers a strategy for “building back better” in the long term.

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Date Created: Jan 14, 2021
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Wyoming COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Wyoming

The Department of Health announced that it is providing free, safe and effective vaccinations to help prevent future COVID-19 infections. The state published a vaccination plan that establishes priorities for who should receive the first-available vaccine doses.

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Date Created: Dec 18, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Oregon’s Phase1aCOVID-19 Vaccine Plan and Recommended Sequencing

Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority finalized its recommendations for who will be the first to receive doses of new COVID-19 vaccines. With a focus on health equity, the plan adds more granularity to federal recommendations and outlines specific populations within the broad groups—and in a wide range of health settings—that should be the focus for vaccination given the limited availability of the vaccine

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Date Created: Dec 18, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

GOVERNOR CARNEY, DPH ANNOUNCE DELAWARE’S PLAN TO DISTRIBUTE THE COVID-19 VACCINE

Delaware

Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health announced Delaware’s plans to distribute the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine that was granted Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The Division of Public Health is responsible for providing the framework for acquiring and distributing the vaccine and has devised a three-tier strategy for distribution.

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Date Created: Dec 18, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Blueprint for a Safer Economy: Equity Focus

California

California has developed a health equity metric to ensure California reopens its economy safely by reducing disease transmission in all communities.

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Date Created: Nov 24, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

HHS OIG Issues Report on COVID-19’s Impact on Opioid Treatment Programs

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS OIG issued a report summarizing its findings on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid treatment programs (OTPs), derived from interviews with 142 programs through June 22. OTPs reported challenges related to:

(1) maintaining pre-pandemic service levels;

(2) managing impacts on facility operations;

(3) implementing and using telehealth;

(4) obtaining treatment medications, personal protective equipment, and cleaning supplies;

(5) maintaining patient participation in OTP activities;

(6) dealing with limitations posed by existing Federal guidance;

(7) providing take-home doses to patients; and

(8) implementing governmental guidance.

The report also itemizes the countermeasures that OTPs have taken since the COVID-19 pandemic, which include:

(1) encouraging or requiring various personal safety measures for patients and staff;

(2) implementing or expanding the use of telehealth to continue providing services;

(3) increasing the number of take-home doses to reduce the number of patients visiting facilities;

(4) making physical changes to facilities and increasing staffing flexibilities; and

(5) ensuring that patients received treatment medications.

The report is intended to support HHS’s goal of reducing opioid morbidity and mortality and to help SAMHSA by providing information on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on OTPs. However, HHS OIG acknowledged that the report reflects the challenges of OTPs as of June 2020 and may not reflect the current environment.

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Date Created: Nov 24, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

OSHA Issues Guidance Alerting Employers to Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections

DoL/OSHA

OSHA issued guidance and an accompanying one-pager describing which OSHA standards have been cited most frequently during COVID-19 related inspections. OSHA based the guidance documents on data from citations resulting from complaints, referrals and fatalities in facilities inclusive of hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Based on these citations, the documents highlight lessons learned and best practices for other facilities to follow to avoid similar citations.In the press release, DoL indicated that OSHA offers on-site consultations offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small- and medium-sized businesses to identify workplace hazards, provides advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assists in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations.

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Date Created: Nov 24, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Newsom Names Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to Advise State on COVID-19 Vaccines

California

With several COVID-19 vaccine candidates in clinical trials, acclaimed California physician scientists will review vaccine process for safety before vaccine is distributed in California.  State also details how safety, equity and transparency will guide COVID-19 vaccine planning and eventual distribution  

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Date Created: Nov 20, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Cuomo Announces Clinical Advisory Task Force and Vaccine Distribution and Implementation Task Force in Anticipation of Potential Federal Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine This Fall

New York

In September, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York State will form an independent Clinical Advisory Task Force comprised of leading scientists, doctors, and health experts who will review every COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the federal government, and will advise New York State on the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in fighting the virus.

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Date Created: Nov 20, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group

Connecticut

The Governor’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group advises the governor on preparations for a COVID-19 vaccine, including the optimization of a statewide vaccine distribution strategy, and communicating critical medical information about the vaccine with the state’s residents.

The group is administered by staff from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.  Meetings are open to the public and available to watch online at https://ct-n.com/

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Date Created: Nov 20, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Ensuring Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine for Adult Medicaid Enrollees: A Roadmap for States

SHVS/Manatt Health

This expert perspective provides a roadmap for states to assess their vaccine coverage policies in Medicaid and, if necessary, to close any coverage gaps that might otherwise inhibit vaccine uptake during a crucial period of mass immunization.

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Date Created: Oct 27, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

OSHA Issues Guidance on Respiratory Protection for Long-Term Care Facilities

DoL/OSHA

OSHA issued respiratory protection guidance focused on protecting workers in nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities (LTCFs) from occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The guidance advises the use of cloth face coverings, facemasks, or surgical masks by healthcare providers at all times while inside long-term care facilities (LTCFs), including in breakrooms or other spaces where they might encounter other people. Healthcare providers who are in close contact with a LTCF resident with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection must use a NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator or equivalent or higher-level respirator, as required by OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard. The guidance further indicates that employers should reassess their engineering and administrative controls, such as ventilation and practices for physical distancing, hand hygiene, and cleaning/disinfecting surfaces, to identify changes that could avoid over-reliance on respirators and other personal protective equipment.

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Date Created: Nov 3, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

The Academies Issue Final Report on Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine

NASEM

The National Academies National Academies of the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) published “A Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine”. The 236-page report, which was commissioned by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), builds on the shorter “discussion draft” that NASEM released in early September . Four risk-based criteria informed NASEM’s recommendations for how to prioritize vaccine allocation across populations: (1) risk of acquiring infection, (2) risk of severe morbidity and mortality, (3) risk of negative societal impact, and (4) risk of transmitting infection to others. Based on these criteria, NASEM recommends the followed phased approach for vaccine allocation (which closely resembles the phases outlined in the discussion draft):

– Phase 1a (representing an estimated 5% of total U.S. population): First responders, as well as high-risk health workers involved in direct patient care and facility services (e.g., transportation or environmental services).

– Phase 1b (est. 10% of U.S. population): People with two or more health conditions that put them at significant risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 (per CDC guidelines), as well as older adults living in nursing homes and other congregate settings.

– Phase 2 (est. 30–35% of U.S. population): K–12 teachers, school staff, and child care workers; critical workers in high-risk settings who cannot avoid a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 (e.g., workers in the food supply system or public transit); all older adults not included in Phase 1; people health conditions that put them at moderately higher risk of severe COVID 19 consequences (per CDC guidelines); and people in homeless shelters, group homes for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, incarcerated individuals and detention staff (if not already included in Phase 1).

– Phase 3 (est. 40–45% of U.S. population): Children and young adults under age 30, as well as any essential workers at increased risk of exposure who are not covered in Phases 1 and 2.

– Phase 4: Everyone living in the United States. Individuals who do not fall into the preceding phases include adults between the ages of 30 and 65 who do not work in essential occupations or industries.

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Date Created: Oct 6, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

Renewal of Determination That A Public Health Emergency Exists

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS Secretary Azar extended the public health emergency (PHE) declaration, which was set to expire on October 22, through January 20. The PHE, in conjunction with the President’s National Emergency Declaration, authorizes Section 1135 waivers, and several other statutory and regulatory flexibilities related to COVID-19 are tied to the PHE.

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Date Created: Oct 6, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Unwinding Federal Medicaid Flexibilities: Issues and Considerations for States

SHVS/Manatt Health

States quickly mobilized to implement emergency federal authorities (e.g., Section 1135 waivers, 1915(c) Waiver Appendix K, emergency Section 1115 waivers) and state-level regulatory flexibilities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; now they must determine which flexibilities to scale back or sustain, taking into account fiscal implications. The interaction of the stimulus package dates, the Public Health Emergency, and the President’s National Emergency Declaration, among other factors, are complex, and states are actively grappling with decision making regarding which flexibilities they need and want to keep, and how. This Excel workbook is intended to serve as a tool for states as they strategize about reopening and plan for the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, states can utilize this template to conduct both a primary analysis as they determine which flexibilities to unwind or maintain and a secondary analysis to plan for operational and implementation implications. The workbook has been updated to reflect the renewal of the Public Health Emergency as of July 23, 2020.

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Date Created: Jul 29, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Federal Declarations and Flexibilities Supporting Medicaid and CHIP COVID-19 Response Efforts Effective and Expiration Dates

SHVS/Manatt Health

To help states respond to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have invoked their emergency powers to authorize temporary flexibilities in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Congress has passed legislation that provides additional federal support for state Medicaid programs, subject to certain conditions. The table summarizes the timeframes for these emergency measures, including the effective dates and expiration timelines dictated by law or agency guidance. The chart also includes current end dates, which are subject to change as federal and state officials take actions to renew or terminate particular authorities. This SHVS product has been updated to reflect HHS’s July 23 declaration renewing the federal Public Health Emergency, as well as CMS’s June 30 Key Dates for Termination of COVID-19 Flexibilities Table.

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Date Created: Jul 28, 2020
Federal Funding Awards Covid-19

Administration Announces $200 million from CDC to Jurisdictions for COVID-19 Vaccine Preparedness

CDC

HHS announced and issued notices of awards to to 64 jurisdictions for $200 million in CARES Act funding for vaccine preparedness, issued through the existing CDC Vaccines for Children cooperative agreement. A list of jurisdictions that received awards is available in the document linked in column J (see the column titled “COVID-19 Vaccine Preparedness Complete”). The press release indicates that the funds are intended to “plan for and implement COVID-19 vaccine services”; CDC has not yet made additional guidance about the funding–including its specific eligible uses–publicly available.

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Date Created: Sep 29, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

Trump Administration Actions to Expand Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) issued guidance under its authority under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) intended to expand access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available. This guidance authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccinations; state-licensed or registered pharmacy interns acting under the supervision of the qualified pharmacist may also administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Among other requirements outlined in the guidance, state-licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns must ensure the following conditions are met:

– The vaccine must be FDA-authorized or FDA-licensed.

– The vaccination must be ordered and administered according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) COVID-19 vaccine recommendation.

– The licensed pharmacist and/or intern must complete a practical training program that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

– The pharmacist/pharmacy intern must comply with any applicable requirements set forth in the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination provider agreement and any other federal requirements that apply to the administration of COVID-19 vaccine(s).

(Previously on August 19, HHS issued the third amendment to the Declaration under the PREP Act to authorize state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer any vaccine that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends to individuals ages three to 18 years according to ACIP’s standard immunization schedule. This amendment was intended to mitigate decreasing rates of routine childhood immunizations due to COVID-19, The order does not affect federal requirements regarding screening and enrollment of Medicare and Medicaid providers (42 CFR Part 455, subpart E).)

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Date Created: Sep 15, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

CMS Issues Urgent Call to Action Following Drastic Decline in Care for Children in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

CMS/CMCS

CMS released preliminary Medicaid and CHIP data highlighting that rates of vaccinations, well visits, and dental services among children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP have dropped substantially, and issued an “urgent call to action.” The data set examines vaccinations, primary, and preventive services among children in Medicaid and CHIP for March-May 2020 compared to March-May 2019 and shows:- 22 percent fewer (1.7 million) vaccinations received by beneficiaries up to age 2- 44 percent fewer (3.2 million) child screening services that assess physical and cognitive development and can provide early detection of autism and developmental delay, among other conditions, even after accounting for the increased use of telehealth- 69 percent fewer (7.6 million) dental servicesThe preliminary data shows that beneficiaries age 18 and under enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP had relatively low treatment rates due to COVID-19. Although more than 250,000 children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP were tested for COVID-19 through June 2020, only about 32,000 received treatment for COVID-19 and fewer than 1,000 were hospitalized for COVID-19 through the end of May.

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Date Created: Sep 29, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

HHS Expands Access to Childhood Vaccines During COVID-19 Pandemic

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

In response to decreasing rates of routine childhood immunizations due to COVID-19, HHS issued a third amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to authorize State-licensed pharmacists to order and administer any vaccine that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends to individuals ages three to 18 years according to ACIP’s standard immunization schedule. The order does not affect federal requirements regarding screening and enrollment of Medicare and Medicaid providers

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Date Created: Aug 25, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

Updated Isolation Guidance Does Not Imply Immunity to COVID-19

CDC

CDC issued a press release and updated guidance clarifying the intent of updates first made to its isolation guidance on August 3. The guidance indicated that people can continue to test positive for up to 3 months after diagnosis and may not be infectious to others. In its clarification, CMS indicated that its August 3 guidance does not imply that a person is immune to re-infection with COVID-19 in the 3 months following infection and, at this time, it is not known whether someone can be re-infected with COVID-19. Rather, the latest data suggests that retesting someone in the three months following initial infection is not necessary unless that person is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and the symptoms cannot be associated with another illness. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated for at least 10 days after symptom onset and until 24 hours after their fever subsides without use of fever-reducing medications

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Date Created: Aug 25, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

HHS Releases Fact Sheet on Operation Warp Speed

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS released a fact sheet explaining Operation Warp Speed’s (OWS) goals, timeline, and major accomplishments. OWS is a public-private partnership led by HHS with the goal of delivering 300 million doses of a safe, effective vaccine for COVID-19 by January 2021. The fact sheet included a summary of OWS’ actions to support vaccine development, manufacturing and distribution, as well as plans for making COVID-19 vaccines affordable to Americans.

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Date Created: Aug 11, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

DOE, HHS and VA Announce COVID-19 Insights Partnership

HHS/DoE/VA

The DOE, HHS, and VA jointly announced the formation of the COVID-19 Insights Partnership, an initiative to coordinate and share health data to support research and analysis on COVID-19. Specific focus areas of the initiative include the evaluation of vaccine and therapeutics candidates for COVID-19, outcomes data, and virology. HHS and VA will provide additional updates and information on research projects as they become available.

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Date Created: Aug 6, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Equitable Recovery Strategies

State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS)

This expert perspective provides a survey of actions that state and local governments have taken to intentionally incorporate equity into their recovery and reopening policies.

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Date Created: Jul 21, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Equitable Recovery Strategie

State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS)

This expert perspective provides a survey of actions that state and local governments have taken to intentionally incorporate equity into their recovery and reopening policies.

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Date Created: Jul 21, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

U.S. Government Engages Pfizer to Produce Millions of Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense (DoD) announced an agreement with U.S.-based Pfizer Inc. for large-scale production and nationwide delivery of 100 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States following the vaccine’s successful manufacture and approval. The agreement also allows the U.S. government to acquire an additional 500 million doses.

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Date Created: Jul 24, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

Request for Information on Federal Coordination To Promote Economic Mobility for All Americans

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS issued a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting public input on the development of a federal interagency Council on Economic Mobility (Council) tasked with promoting economic recovery and resilience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council is composed of the heads of various federal agencies and chaired by HHS. Through this RFI, HHS requested input from state/local government agencies and other stakeholders to inform the Council’s priorities, working group activities, stakeholder engagement, and federal programs. The RFI was published on the Federal Register on July 16 and public comments will be accepted until October 2.

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Date Created: Jul 17, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

An Early Look at State Budget Actions in Response to COVID-19 and the Impact on State Health Programs

State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS)

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis that has triggered an economic crisis. While the federal government acted to provide financial relief, states have faced significant growth in expenditures in response to the pandemic, as well as simultaneous and severe drops in revenue. This expert perspective provides a snapshot of how states are navigating the known and unknown fiscal challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, given declining revenues and rising spending demands in the context of balanced budget requirements. The strategies that states employ to address the fiscal fallout of COVID-19, will have significant and long-lasting implications for critical health care and safety net programs.

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Date Created: Jun 30, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

HHS, DOD Collaborate with Private-Public Agreements to Produce COVID-19 Investigational Vaccine and Therapeutic Treatment

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS and DoD jointly announced: – A $1.6 billion agreement with Novavax to demonstrate commercial-scale manufacturing of the company’s COVID-19 investigational vaccine, NVX-CoV2373. The agreement expands upon a June agreement for Novavax to provide 10 million doses for use in Phase 2/3 clinical trials. The July 7 agreement is expected to provide the federal government with 100 million doses of the investigational vaccine.- A $450 million agreement with Regeneron to demonstrate commercial-scale manufacturing of the company’s investigational therapeutic treatment, REGN-COV2. The agreement is expected to produce between 70,000 and 300,000 treatment doses expected by fall. Clinical trials for the investigational therapeutic are currently underway.

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Date Created: Jul 13, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

DoL Publishes FAQs to Help Keep Workers Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OHSA/DoL

OSHA issued FAQs for employers and employees about topics such as best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, workers’ rights to express concern about workplace conditions, COVID-19 testing, and worker training. The FAQs are supplementary to guidance issued in May and June, respectively: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 and Guidance on Returning to Work.

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Date Created: Jul 7, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

Hospital Visitation – Phase II Visitation for Patients who are Covid-19 Negative

CMS

CMS issued guidance regarding hospital visitation policies for patients during Phase II of reopening, reiterating previous guidance that unrestricted visitation is not advised until Phase III of reopening. The guidance also outlines discretionary exceptions that hospitals may want to consider in certain instances, such as during end-of-life care and labor and delivery. In scenarios where visitation is allowed, CMS indicated that visitation should be limited to one visitor at a time and all in-person visitors should be screened for symptoms and wear cloth face coverings. CMS also indicated that virtual or outdoor visitation should be encouraged to the extent possible and that facilities should consider the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, staffing levels, and PPE supplies before making exceptions to non-visitation policies.

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Date Created: Jun 29, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Department of Health Announces Partnership with CVS Health to Assist with COVID-19 Response in Nursing Homes

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) are partnering with CVS Health to offer COVID-19 testing services to skilled nursing facilities statewide, free of charge.

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Date Created: Jun 26, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Newsom Unveils California COVID Assessment Tool That Will Allow Scientists, Researchers, and Public to Access the Most Current COVID-19 Data and Model Future Scenarios

California

The Governor of California released tools, technology, and data that will allow scientists, researchers, technologists, and all Californians to better understand the impact of COVID-19.

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Date Created: Jun 26, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

OSHA Issues Guidance on Opening Non-Essential Businesses

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA issued guidance to assist employers and workers in safely returning to work and reopening businesses deemed by local authorities as “non-essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is intended to supplement HHS, White House, and CDC guidance issued to date.

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Date Created: Jun 23, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

EEOC Prohibits Employers from Requiring COVID-19 Antibody Testing Before Re-Entering the Workplace

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

EEOC updated their technical assistance questions and answers, prohibiting employers from requiring COVID-19 antibody testing before allowing employees to return to the workplace. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), antibody testing constitutes a medical examination; citing the CDC guidance that antibody testing “should not be used to make decisions about returning persons to the workplace,” the EEOC explains antibody testing does not meet the ADA’s “job related and consistent with business necessity” standard for medical examinations or inquiries for current employees. Viral tests, however, are permissible under the ADA.

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Date Created: Jun 18, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

HHS Issues Fact Sheet on Operation Warp Speed (OWS)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS issued a fact sheet reiterating the composition and objectives of Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a private-public partnership between CDC, FDA, NIH, BARDA, DoD, and private firms to deliver 300 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by January 2021. The fact sheet also provides updates on OWS activities and investments to develop the manufacturing and distribution capacity necessary for accomplishing its objectives. The CARES Act appropriated $10 billion for OWS, including over $6.5 billion for vaccine development through BARDA and $3 billion for NIH research.

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Date Created: Jun 18, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

How States Are Ramping Up their COVID-19 Contact Tracing Capacity

National Academy for State Health Policy

The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) created an interactive map highlighting how every state and Washington, DC, is innovating and expanding its contact tracing capacity to contain the infection and reopen its economy.

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Date Created: Jun 16, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery Calls for Equitable Solutions for California and the Nation

California

The state’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery issued an open letter urging business and civic leaders in California to explicitly address racial disparities and focus their recovery policies on equitable and sustainable solutions.

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Date Created: Jun 16, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Gov. Wolf: Enhanced Dashboard Launched that Highlights Demographic, Testing and Reopening Data

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania launched a dashboard that enhances data on demographic, testing, and re-opening metrics.

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Date Created: Jun 15, 2020
Federal Statute and Guidance Covid-19

CMS Guidance on Reopening of Healthcare Facilities

CMS

CMS issued guidance for providers in states and regions in Phase II of the White House’s “Opening Up America Again” guidelines that have no evidence of a COVID-19 rebound. The guidance encourages providers in these regions to return to offering non-emergent, non-COVID care in-person when such care cannot be offered virtually, for patients that are not at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness (as defined by CDC).

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Maine Expands Contact Tracing to Limit the Spread of COVID-19

Maine

Governor Janet Mills announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is significantly expanding contact tracing by increasing the number of skilled staff and volunteers, harnessing innovative technology, and securing social services to help people with COVID-19 maintain self-isolation.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Announces Contact Tracing Pilot Program Supported by Mayor Mike Bloomberg to Begin in Coming Weeks

New York

The state of New York announced a contact tracing program that will be done in coordination with the downstate region as well as New Jersey and Connecticut.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Ohio COVID-19 UPDATE: Testing Expansion

Ohio

Governor DeWine announced that Ohio is expanding testing and encouraged those who want a COVID-19 test, including those who are low-risk or asymptomatic, to talk with their health care provider or contact a testing location to arrange a test.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Raimondo, Dr. Alexander-Scott Provide Update on State’s Response to COVID-19

Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island has partnered with SalesForce, a global software company, to make a database that will allow the state and the National Guard to implement contact tracing processes effectively.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Newsom Launches California Connected – California’s Contact Tracing Program and Public Awareness Campaign

California

Governor Gavin Newsom launched California Connected, the state’s comprehensive contact tracing program and public awareness campaign in which the state plans to launch 10,000 contact tracers statewide.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Inslee announces Safe Start — Washington’s Phased Reopening by county

Washington

Washington’s Phased Reopening plan, which moves the state through phased reopening on a county-by-county basis, will provide counties the flexibility to demonstrate they can safely allow additional economic activity based on targeted metrics.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

Targeted Coronavirus Testing Is Essential For Health Equity

Health Affairs

Targeted testing and contact tracing represent a more ethical approach to lifting pandemic restrictions and opening up the economy given limited test supplies.

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Date Created: Jun 16, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health

New Jersey

On May 18, Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a multi-stage approach to execute the responsible and strategic economic restart to put New Jersey on the road back to recovery from COVID-19.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
SHVS Resources Covid-19

Federal and State Declarations and Flexibilities Supporting Medicaid and CHIP COVID-19 Response Efforts Effective and Expiration Dates

SHVS/Manatt Health

To help states respond to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have invoked various emergency authorities that allow for temporary flexibilities in the Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program programs. Congress also has passed legislation that provides additional federal support for state Medicaid programs, subject to certain conditions. The table describes the effective dates of these various provisions as well as the expiration timeline dictated by law or agency guidance; the table also includes current end dates, which are subject to change as federal and state officials take actions to renew or terminate particular authorities.

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Date Created: Jun 2, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

How Is My Data Being Used and How Is My Privacy Being Protected When Contact Tracing?

New Jersey

The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub addresses privacy concerns around contact tracing, including around public charge, in their FAQ page.

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Date Created: Jun 12, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order to Address Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

North Carolina

In an effort to address health disparities, the Governor of North Carolina signed an executive order directing resources to historically underutilized businesses, ensuring equitable distribution of pandemic relief funds, and supporting mass testing of migrant farm workers and food processing plant workers.

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Date Created: Jun 5, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

COVID-19: Keeping Los Angeles Safe

City of Los Angeles

The city of Los Angeles’ reopening plan incorporates testing rates by poverty levels and race/ethnicity into its Effectiveness Indicators, which guide future decisions about loosening or tightening social distancing restrictions.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Protecting Chicago Reopening Plan

City of Chicago

The city of Chicago’s reopening plan monitors cases over time by zip code, age, sex, race, and ethnicity to determine movement into different phases.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

New York Hires Over 1700 Tracers for the Test & Trace Corps

New York

The city of New York hired over 1,700 contact tracers to join their Test & Trace Corp, with 700 of the new hires being from the neighborhoods that have been the hardest hit by COVID-19.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Letter to the Nevada Patient Protection Commission

Nevada

In a letter to the state’s Patient Protection Commission, the Governor of Nevada requested that the Commission develop long-term policy recommendations that address COVID-19 and broader health equity concerns.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Mayor de Blasio Announces ‘Take Care Initiative’ to Help New Yorkers Safely Separate

New York

In addition to helping New Yorkers safely separate, the city will also support those who are separating at home by designating Resource Navigators, who work with community-based organizations across the city, to help New Yorkers overcome logistical issues such as accessing medicine or clean laundry.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Raimondo hopes to use Medicaid money to help the homeless during coronavirus crisis

Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island submitted a waiver to CMS to use Medicaid funds to provide food, housing, and mobile phone minutes for people who are housing insecure.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Testing Opportunities for Minorities and Other Vulnerable Populations

West Virginia

West Virginia is increasing COVID-19 testing access for marginalized populations and those in medically underserved counties, making testing free and available to all residents in the targeted localities.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Governor Northam Announces Health Equity Pilot Program with City of Richmond

Virginia

The state of Virginia is partnering with the City of Richmond to expand access to personal protective equipment in underserved communities.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

COVID-19 and Health Equity in Virginia: You Ask, We Answer

Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health and the Health Equity Task Force partnered with a local media outlet to provide information about the next phases of the recovery process and its implications for health equity.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

State Approaches to Contact Tracing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

National Academy for State Health Policy

To contain the spread of COVID-19, states are rapidly ramping up their contact tracing efforts.

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Date Created: Jun 2, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

COVID-19 Update: Efforts to Improve Minority Health, New Sector Openings

Ohio

Ohio’s Minority Health Strike Force recommended the hiring of public health workers who reflect the makeup of their own community to expand exposure notification capacity.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Launches New Initiative to Expand Access to Testing in Low-Income Communities and Communities of Color

New York

The state of New York is expanding access to testing for communities of color and low-income neighborhoods by establishing an initial 24 testing sites at churches in predominantly minority communities in downstate New York.

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Date Created: Jun 4, 2020
Analysis Covid-19

3 Principles for an Anti-Racist, Equitable State Response to COVID-19 — and a Stronger Recovery

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

This report outlines three guiding principles for state policymakers in their equity efforts.

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Date Created: Jun 1, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Safe Start Washington: A Phased Approach to Recovery

Washington

The Washington State Department of Health’s reopening plan relies on distinct data-driven categories to determine the state’s readiness for safely reopening.

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Date Created: Jun 1, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Reopening Rhode Island: Charting the Course

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s recovery plan.

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Date Created: Jun 1, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Michigan Safe Start: A Plan to Re-engage Michigan’s Economy

Michigan

The Michigan Safe Start Plan, which utilizes public health metrics such as impacts on at-risk populations as criteria to trigger movement into consequent phases of reopening.

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Date Created: Jun 1, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

Commonwealth of Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Task Force

Virginia

The state of Virginia has formed a Health Equity Work Group that is intentionally embedded into the state’s Uniform Command center addressing COVID-19. Both the Work Group and the Taskforce meet on a regular basis and work to apply a health equity lens to each phase of the state’s response, ranging from preparedness to mitigation to recovery.

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Date Created: Jun 1, 2020
State Examples and Models Covid-19

COVID-19 Update: Efforts to Improve Minority Health, New Sector Openings

Ohio

In April, the state of Ohio formed the Minority Health Strike Force, which is tasked with responding to the disproportionate impact of the Coronavirus on African Americans. The state is now focused on implementing recommendations from the Strike Force.

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Date Created: Jun 1, 2020
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© 2019 State Health and Value Strategies is a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

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