State Health Updates
- Florida – The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration announced that it will submit a request for a new section 1115 demonstration, the “Children’s Health Insurance Program Eligibility Extension,” to increase the income eligibility limit for CHIP eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level, up from 200%. This expansion would include premiums. The public comment period will be open through February 21.
- Massachusetts – The Healey-Driscoll Administration laid out its plan for Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM), an initiative to eliminate racial, economic, and regional disparities in health outcomes. Led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh and Undersecretary for Health Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, the initiative will engage agencies and stakeholders from across the state in reworking the systems that lead to poor outcomes for under-resourced communities. The first year of AHEM will focus on maternal health and social determinants of health.
- Michigan
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is requesting proposals to expand the Child and Adolescent Health Center Program through school-based or school-linked health services. The models funded through this grant include Child and Adolescent Health Centers (CAHC) and School Wellness Programs (SWP). Clinical CAHC and SWP program models assist eligible children and adolescents with enrollment in Medicaid and provide access to Medicaid preventive services.
- MDHHS is requesting proposals to increase support for pregnant and postpartum people impacted by substance-use disorder by placing peer navigators in healthcare or behavioral health settings. Peer navigators support families in their recovery journey, while also helping families get connected to resources within the community.
- Montana – Governor Greg Gianforte announced an investment of up to $8 million to improve community-based response services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. As recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission, the investment is the second allocation of $300 million in funding that the governor earmarked last year for Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities services systems.
- New Hampshire – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced statewide availability of the new overdose reversal medication nalmefene. Like naloxone, nalmefene is an opioid reversal medication that can be used to prevent opioid overdose deaths. DHHS has issued a standing order to all pharmacies across the state to dispense nalmefene to individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose and to their family members, friends, or other people who may be able to assist at-risk individuals. Nalmefene is available at no cost to New Hampshire Medicaid enrollees.
- New Jersey
- Governor Phil Murphy signed S-4119/A-5739, which ensures every birthing individual has the right to a doula in a hospital or birth center. Under the bill, hospitals and birthing centers must develop and maintain policies that allow doulas to accompany patients before, during, and after labor and childbirth. These facilities will also be required to publicly post their policies and designate a contact to maintain communications between their staff, the doula community, and patients.
- First Lady Tammy Murphy announced the launch of a new statewide universal newborn nurse home visitation program, Family Connects NJ, in select counties. The program connects new parents with a specially-trained nurse for a personalized follow-up visit at home within two weeks of their child’s birth. These visits are available to all New Jersey families at no cost, regardless of income, insurance or immigration status.
- New York – The New York State Department of Health is requesting to amend the 1115 Medicaid Redesign Team Waiver to allow for continuous eligibility for children up to the age of six.
- North Carolina
- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) commissioned a study by the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers to make recommendations to enhance the direct care workforce. The report provides recommendations to enhance the workforce and NCDHHS announced funding to support rates paid to direct support professionals.
- NCDHHS announced the release of a report on the state’s caregiving workforce. The report focuses on nursing, behavioral health and direct care professionals as the greatest areas of need and offers a roadmap of initiatives to strengthen and support the healthcare workforce.
- Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh announced the launch of PA Navigate, an online tool that connects Pennsylvanians with community-based organizations, county and state agencies, and healthcare providers for referrals to community resources that help them meet their most basic needs like food, shelter, and transportation. PA Navigate also allows individuals to refer themselves for services and facilitates greater connection and communication between healthcare providers and organizations that serve shared populations.
- DHS Secretary Dr. Arkoosh announced the grantees that will administer the new Women’s Service Program, a grant intended to advance accessible and inclusive women’s healthcare, especially for pregnant and parenting individuals. The program will expand access to comprehensive, evidence-based care, support, and education.
- Rhode Island – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services announced that CMS has approved new state-directed payments (SDPs) to hospitals to promote access and quality. A SDP is a mechanism used by state Medicaid programs to direct specific payments to Medicaid providers through contracted managed care organizations. The new payments are projected to result in over $110 million in new Medicaid funding to Rhode Island hospitals.