Jul, 14, 2023

State Health Updates

  • Arizona
    • Governor Katie Hobbs announced the expansion of access to over-the-counter contraception to Arizonans 18 years and older without a doctor’s prescription. The standing order goes into effect immediately and patients seeking contraceptives will be required to complete a screening and blood pressure test.
    • The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) released its monthly Medicaid renewal data dashboard detailing progress since the regular renewal process began in April. In the month of June, 67% of the renewals initiated were automatically determined to be eligible to maintain AHCCCS coverage. Approximately 25% of all individuals who have been disenrolled for not responding to AHCCCS have taken advantage of the 90-day window to finish their renewal.
  • Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Human Services released its June report on Medicaid unwinding. In June, more than 50,000 cases were renewed after eligibility was confirmed, and approximately 77,000 enrollees were disenrolled.
  • Maine – The Maine Bureau of Insurance released the 2024 proposed insurance rate filings for the individual and small group market. The proposed rate filings are currently under review.
  • Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Human Services is sending $36 million to support county and Tribal efforts to renew Minnesotans’ health insurance. The funds will cover costs such as addressing health disparities, hiring and training staff, paying overtime and reaching out to enrollees.
  • Missouri – Governor Mike Parson signed legislation to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year. As a reminder, SHVS published an issue brief on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) option to extend postpartum coverage.
  • New Jersey
    • Governor Phil Murphy signed a legislative package to help make prescription drugs more affordable for New Jerseyans. The three bills will work together to cap certain out-of-pocket costs, establish greater oversight of pharmacy benefit managers, and promote transparency across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
    • Governor Murphy signed a bill expanding expenses that New Jersey’s K-12 public schools may be reimbursed for in regards to behavioral health services that are provided to students and their families who are Medicaid enrollees. With this authority, the Department of Human Services will begin seeking federal approvals for this program. Once the program is approved, the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services will assist schools in implementing a plan to submit Medicaid claims for reimbursement.
  • New York – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports have made $3.5 million available for start-up grants to develop 13 new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, 24-hour centers that provide comprehensive services for those requiring behavioral health support, specifically coordination care across behavioral, physical health, and social service systems.
  • North Carolina – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced new state level data that shows the lowest rate of tobacco use in more than a decade for people in North Carolina who struggle with their mental health or heavy drinking. New data shows the percentage of behavioral health programs providing tobacco use screening and treatment to clients increased by more than 60% across substance-use and mental facilities since 2016. Between 2020 and 2021, the percentage of North Carolina substance-use disorder facilities with a smoke-free campus policy also increased 30%.
  • Oregon – The Oregon Health Authority announced that starting July 1, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage is available to all children and adults who meet income and other eligibility criteria, regardless of immigration status. The change initially applies to approximately 40,000 members ages 26 to 54 who moved automatically from emergency coverage to full OHP benefits July 1. But, beginning July 1, all people who meet income and other eligibility criteria, regardless of immigration status, can enroll.