In the October edition of Health Policy News, we explore conference insights, H.R. 1 implementation considerations as January 1, 2027 approaches, and Medicaid managed care oversight. Featured articles share takeaways from the National Academy of State Health Policy (NASHP) Annual Conference, the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Partner Summit, and the Human Services Financial Officers (HSFO) Conference; examine preparations for Medicaid community engagement and more frequent redetermination requirements; and highlight ways to turn performance measurement into accountability and improvement. We also feature a Fire & EMS Blog article on the ongoing costs of maintaining emergency response readiness. We hope these insights help readers connect emerging requirements with practical opportunities to strengthen programs and better serve their communities.
Insights from Recent Health Policy and Practice Conferences
PCG staff has been making rounds at conferences over the last few months – sharing information and hearing from thought leaders and experts across the health landscape about responses to emerging challenges, innovations, and collaborations. Across these gatherings, PCG contributed to discussions, shared expertise, and engaged with stakeholders to support system improvement efforts nationwide. We are happy to share insights on a range of health policy topics from the events we recently attended:
- National Academy of State Health Policy 2026 Annual Conference
- 2026 National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Partner Summit
- 2026 Human Services Financial Officers (HSFO) Conference
Click here to read more!
H.R.1 Overview: Work and Redetermination Requirements
With January 1, 2027 just around the corner, states are knee deep in the significant work of implementation of provisions including the Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements and changes to the timeline for Medicaid redeterminations. Most states began planning for and undertaking the significant work of implementation even before the law’s passage and, as a result, key considerations and best practices are beginning to emerge. This article highlights key considerations, including beneficiary outreach, data management, system updates, and workforce capacity, as well as practical strategies for minimizing coverage losses. For more information about these requirements, click here.
Making Measurement Matter in Medicaid Managed Care
For many state Medicaid agencies, the hardest part of performance measurement is not technical; there can be real resistance to measuring problems they do not yet have the resources to solve. However, measurement does not have to mean that the state must immediately fund, staff, and directly operate every solution. In Medicaid managed care, measurement can be the beginning of a structured accountability process. This article explores how states can use existing managed care contract requirements, reporting tools, and corrective action processes to connect measurement findings to root-cause analysis, plan interventions, ongoing monitoring, and sustained improvement. To read more about how measurement can create momentum for improvement in Medicaid managed care, click here.
The Real Cost of EMS Begins Before the Call
The cost of EMS begins before a single call comes in. Effective financial planning requires looking beyond transport volume to the ongoing costs of maintaining the people, equipment, and resources needed to remain ready to respond.
Article Link: The Real Cost of EMS Begins Before the Call
Blog Homepage: Fire & EMS Blog