Author | Lightnews

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 3d

🎙️ Hear NASHP’s Sandra Wilkniss and other experts on the 100 Latinas Birthday podcast discuss how community health workers strengthen connections between health systems and communities.
Tune in: loom.ly/siofSZk

#HealthPolicy

Image: Photo of Sandra Wilkniss, Senior Director of Behavioral, Population and Public Health.
Text: " ..They're embedded, trusted, understood the language, and I don't mean just the language formally, but the language, the heartbeat of the community and the state people needed that connection."

- Quote from Sandra Wilkniss, NASHP'S Senior Director of Behavioral, Population, and Public Health, highlights the impact of community health workers. She is featured on the 100 Latina Birthdays podcast.

Listen to the episode or read the full transcript for more insights.

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 4d

📢 CMS has opened the next round of Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model funding. The model supports states integrating behavioral and physical health services for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries.

Key dates begin April 1, 2026. Details → loom.ly/-yqZ-24
#HealthPolicy

Text: CMS Announces Second Round of Funding for the Innovation in Behavioral
Health (IBH) Model.

KEY DATES FOR APPLICANTS
Letter of Intent (optional): April 1, 2026
Application Due: June 3, 2026
Awards Announced: September 15, 2026

Click the link in caption for details.

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 5d

Rising health care prices continue to challenge affordability and access. This recap covers insights from NASHP’s annual conference, featuring strategies from Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado, Oklahoma, North Carolina & Connecticut.

Review the blog post loom.ly/-XLt-4k
#HealthPolicy #Affordability

Image: Photo of Jessica Altman, David Seltz, Janice Walters and Maureen Hensley-Quinn at NASHP's Annual Conference in September 2025. Text: State Strategies to Contain Health Care Costs and Improve Access. Insights from NASHP's Conference. See the full blog post at NASHP.org

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 6d

🧵5/5 Local innovation, national impact. Explore how these policy trends are shaping the future of care delivery at NASHP.org

Local innovation, national impact. Explore how these policy trends are shaping the future of care delivery. State Community Health Worker Policies: 2024–2025 Trends

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 6d

🧵4/5 Other states are also taking steps to be more inclusive. How do they do this?

Other states are also taking steps to be more inclusive. HOW DO THEY DO THIS? From new Medicaid reimbursement pathways to dedicated CHW offices, states are aligning policy to strengthen training, funding, and coordination across agencies. Together, these changes mark a shift toward lasting infrastructure for CHW integration.

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 6d

🧵3/5 In Washington, experience is part of certification. Take a look at this state example.

In Washington, experience is part of certification. STATE EXAMPLE. The state now requires 2,000 hours of supervised experience for CHW certification and prioritizes lived experience as a qualification.
The goal: a workforce that truly reflects the communities it serves.

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 6d

🧵2/5 States are investing in community-based care. Why does this matter?

States are investing in community-based care. WHY DOES THIS MATTER? Community health workers (CHWs) connect residents to care, improve health literacy, and address barriers that traditional systems can’t.

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 6d

🧵1/5 States are expanding support for community health workers through new policies in Medicaid coverage, certification, and reimbursement.

NASHP’s latest analysis highlights key CHW trends across all 50 states and D.C. → loom.ly/zgo-adA

#HealthPolicy #CommunityHealth

State Community Health Worker Policies: 2024–2025 Trends. How states are expanding coverage, certification, reimbursement and partnerships.

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 9d

This week, a fantastic team at the Utah State Correctional Facility hosted states participating in the NASHP and HARP State Reentry Learning Collaborative. loom.ly/xOKhxEU

It was an incredible opportunity. Thank you to our hosts and to all who participated! #reentry

Selfie of staff at the Utah State Correctional Facility and states participating in the NASHP and Health and Reentry Project (HARP) State Reentry Learning Collaborative.

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 10d

Missed our webinar on how states are lowering funding barriers for community-based organizations that help to reduce overdoses?

Download the replay and slides now available loom.ly/EEtj5wI

#Opioid #OverdosePrevention #StateHealthPolicy

Text: Missed our webinar? We've got you covered. State Strategies to Lower Funding Barriers for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). Replay now available at NASHP.org. Webinar supported by American Institutes for Research, Foundation for Opioid Response and NASHP.

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 12d

NASHP’s refreshed Behavioral Health policy area highlights innovative state strategies and tools to strengthen systems of care and expand access to quality behavioral health services.

Explore more loom.ly/HYLhPnE

#BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #StateHealthPolicy

Image: Young adult engaged in deep conversation with a mental health professional.
Text: Resource Hub - Spotlight on Behavioural Health - See the new resource hub at NASHP.org

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 13d

States are continuing to invest opioid settlement funds across the continuum of substance use services.

See new updates in NASHP’s State Opioid Settlement Spending Decisions Tracker loom.ly/zFevz3M

#StateHealthPolicy #Opioids

Image: Soft, background illustration of the United States.

Text: Updated Tracker - Latest on Opioid
Settlement Spending. States are investing in stronger response. From prevention to treatment and recovery, see how states are using opioid settlement funds to build a more resilient system of care.

Find the state tracker you need here:
nashp.org/state-trackers

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 16d

NASHP’s new Medicaid Managed Care section brings together curated resources, toolkits, and examples to help states design, implement, and refine managed care programs.
Explore the hub loom.ly/2RX3SqM

#Medicaid #PublicHealth

Image: Multi-generational family share a happy moment in the sun with their dog.
Text: New Resource Hub - Medicaid Managed Care. See the resource hub at NASHP.org.

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 17d

NASHP has released a model law to support site-neutral payment policies, ensuring certain services are priced equally whether delivered in or outside hospital settings.

See how states can adapt it loom.ly/ewGTvBg
#StateHealthPolicy #Medicare

Image: Glowing outline of a bank card surrounding by connecting lines.Text: Model Legislation to Establish Site-Neutral Commercial Payment for Select Outpatient Health Care Services. Developed for NASHP by Erin C. Fuse Brown, Hayden Rooke-Ley, and 32BJ Health Fund to meet states' request for site-neutral payment policy that aligns with recommended Medicare payment policy. See the model at NASHP.org

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 18d

Happening tomorrow: NASHP’s webinar on how states can strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations to reduce overdoses. Register here loom.ly/c70USYs

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 19d

With 35% of U.S. counties lacking obstetric care, states are developing targeted strategies to strengthen perinatal access and improve outcomes. Read the insights loom.ly/W30coqs

#MaternalHealth #PublicHealth

Image: Photo of speakers, Palav Babaria, Angela Thomas, Becki Wedemeier and Shin-Yi Lin at NASHP's 2025 Conference. Text: How States Are Ensuring Access to Maternity Care in Rural and Urban Areas - Insights from NASHP's Conference. Read the full blog post at NASHP.org

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 23d

New from NASHP: A Caregivers Communications and Marketing Toolkit developed with 13 states to help organizations better connect with and support family caregivers.

Explore free, customizable templates and outreach materials here loom.ly/D16y_z0
#StateHealthPolicy #Caregiving #FamilyCaregivers

Text: Caregivers Communications and Marketing Toolkit. Developed with NASHP’s 13-state Caregiving State Policy Learning Collaborative, this resource is designed to help you better reach family caregivers. Find the toolkit at SupportCaregiving.org.

Images: Logos 1) The John A. Hartford Foundation. 2) Support Caregivers. 3) NASHP

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 25d

🗓 Upcoming webinar: How states can partner with CBOs to reduce overdoses. Hear from state leaders on breaking down funding barriers and supporting local solutions.
Register here loom.ly/zQfxF5c

Image: Volunteers share a laugh with their colleagues in a park. Text: Webinar - State Strategies to Lower Funding Barriers for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). Date & Time: Thursday, October 16th at 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. Register to join.

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 26d

Oklahoma and Washington shared how states can combine behavioral health data and evidence-based measures to show policymakers the true value of their investments.

Get insights from this session here loom.ly/zQfxF5c

Image: Photo of Jason McGill, Daisy Berbeco and Carrie Slatton-Hodges during their session at NASHP's Annual Conference in 2025.
Text: NASHP Conference 2025 Highlights and Insights. Making the Value Proposition in Behavioural Health. Read the full blog post at NASHP.org

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 27d

JUST IN: Colorado's PDAB s the first in the nation to address high drug prices by setting an upper payment limit for a drug. CO's UPL for Enbrel is based on the Maximum Fair Price CMS negotiated for Enbrel, extending savings beyond Medicare to Coloradans.

doi.colorado.gov/types-of-ins...

Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board | DORA - Division of Insurance

doi.colorado.gov

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · 27d

Cheryl Roberts shares how her personal journey shapes her leadership in Virginia Medicaid and her advice for future leaders. Read the full Q&A loom.ly/9VAjj4I

Image: Photo of Cheryl Roberts Text: ACADEMY SPOTLIGHT Q&A with Cheryl Roberts. Bridging Policy, Operations, and Community Health in Virginia. Question: What's one aspect of Medicaid you wish more people understood? Response: "The stigma. Too often people - including providers - have a stereotype in their minds of what a Medicaid member looks like...l wish more people could hear and see their stories because they reflect the everyday lives of our communities." See the full Q&A session at NASHP.org

1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · Oct 3

⚖️ State health and corrections staff: join our next Learning and Action Network session on courts’ role in improving reentry outcomes and access to services.
Details via listserv loom.ly/FruTQe4

Image: Male colleagues dressed casually share a positive exchange while walking through the office.
Text: New State Reentry Learning & Action Network Webinar.
Topic: The Role of Courts in Supporting Health and Reentry Outcomes
Date: Monday, October 6th | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. ET. Register today!

Reposted by NASHP Health

Tradeoffs @tradeoffs.org · Oct 2

It's been 90 days since Congress passed Trump’s megabill slashing health care spending and reshaping the Medicaid program. States are already knee-deep in dealing with the fallout.

Listen to the episode:

Page not found - Tradeoffs

Tradeoffs is a nonprofit news organization on a mission to help America have smarter, more honest conversations about health policy.

tradeoffs.org

1 1

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · Oct 1

Be the first to know. Stay ahead with NASHP’s weekly newsletter: updates, toolkits, funding opportunities, and state spotlights – all in one place.

Sign up 👉 loom.ly/m61xf1w

NASHP Health @nashphealth.bsky.social · Sep 30

1 in 5 people live in a rural community, facing care, workforce, and infrastructure challenges. At NASHP’s conference, leaders from ND, WA, and WV shared solutions for stronger rural health care.

Blog post 👉 loom.ly/MNwpPho

NASHPCONF2025 Insights and Highlights. State Strategies for Strengthening Rural Health - Insights from NASHP's Conference. Visit NASHP.org for the full blog post.