State Health and Value Strategies is launching a new series to highlight health news at the state level. States of Innovation will share what states are working on to achieve better, more affordable, and more equitable health for all. This inaugural States of Innovation features state activity in March and April and includes updates from: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Virginia. 

State updates as of May 3, 2024.

State updates as of April 26, 2024.

State updates as of April 19, 2024.

On April 2, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025, the annual rule which governs core provisions of the Affordable Care Act. This expert perspective focuses on provisions of the final rule of interest to state officials, including requirements for State-Based Marketplaces to adhere to standards that align more with the Federally Facilitated Marketplace, improvements to the processes for states to determine and update essential health benefits, and initiatives designed to streamline the eligibility and enrollment process for consumers.

State updates as of April 12, 2024.

State updates as of April 5, 2024.

On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury released a final regulation that updates the definition of short-term, limited duration insurance (STLDI) and requires consumer disclosures for STLDI and hospital and fixed indemnity policies. These changes are designed to help consumers more clearly distinguish the differences between STLDI/fixed indemnity policies and comprehensive health insurance coverage that must comply with consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act and other federal laws. This expert perspective discusses the implications of the final rule for state regulators.

State updates as of March 29, 2024.

On March 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a final rule, “Medicaid Program; Streamlining the Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment and Renewal Processes.” The expansive final rule, initially proposed in September 2022, is the first large-scale eligibility and enrollment rule released since two Affordable Care Act implementing regulations were finalized in March 2012 and July 2013. This expert perspective provides a high level summary of the Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment final rule.