Hello Readers and Happy Halloween!
In this Halloween edition of Health Policy News, we begin with an analysis of the ongoing federal government shutdown and its implications for access to health care. We also provide a timely overview of H.R.1’s potential impact on Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including how the Rural Health Transformation Program may be leveraged to support EMS delivery in underserved areas.
Next, we explore the role of remote blood pressure monitoring (RPM) programs in addressing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, highlighting promising connections between digital health tools and maternal outcomes. Finally, we continue our Section 1332 Waiver series with a look at various approaches to state-based reinsurance programs and their implications for market stability.
We hope everyone has a spook-tacular Halloween, and we look forward to keeping you informed in our upcoming holiday edition!
One Month In: How the Government Shut Down is Impacting Access to Health Care
The U.S. federal government has been shut down for a month, leading to operational delays across various sectors. Federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay, and some state-run programs, such as SNAP, may be paused due to funding gaps. In the healthcare space, the shutdown has delayed Medicaid waiver reviews and limited federal support for initiatives like the Rural Health Transformation Program. Additionally, the ongoing debate over enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)—which help individuals afford health insurance—has become a central issue, as their future remains uncertain beyond 2025. To read the full article, Click Here.
Medicaid Reimbursement Shifts, Rural Health Transformation, and What EMS Agencies Need to Know
Medicaid reimbursement for EMS agencies are undergoing major changes, and rural providers have new opportunities on the horizon. This article explores the latest policy shifts, including HR1 and opportunities in the Rural Health Transformation Program, to help EMS leaders stay in the know. To read the full article, Click Here.
Improving Health Outcomes Through Access to Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, remain a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S., yet access to remote blood pressure monitoring (RPM) is inconsistent despite strong clinical evidence and Medicaid coverage for home cuffs. Best practices and equity-driven models, like Boston Medical Center’s RPM program, show that early cuff access improves outcomes, reduces readmissions, and delivers cost-effective care. States have an opportunity to close gaps by adopting bundled RPM policies and addressing coverage and distribution barriers. To read more, including highlights on best practices and cost-effectiveness data, Click Here.
Section 1332 Innovation Waiver Series: State Approaches to Reinsurance Waiver Programs
Many States are using Section 1332 Waivers to implement reinsurance programs that stabilize individual health insurance markets and reduce premiums. Oregon, Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire, and Colorado have all adopted varied models—ranging from traditional to condition-based models and limiting funding to establishing regionally-tiered approaches—tailored to their unique needs. These programs have shown measurable success in lowering costs, but their future impact depends on federal funding tied to enhanced advance premium tax credits (APTCs). As debates over APTC extensions continue, states may need to reassess funding needs to sustain these impactful waiver programs. To read more, Click Here
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