Center for Health Care Strategies’ Post

Check out this collection of evidence-based strategies on addressing the behavioral health needs of people returning to communities from prison and jail, as well as promising implementation approaches 👇

Reproductive health services are essential for improving health outcomes and promoting health equity. These profiles highlight activities in New Jersey and Texas to address gaps in contraception access and provide better care across the lifespan. The two states recently participated in the Contraception Access Learning Community, led by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) with support from Arnold Ventures. Through technical assistance from ASTHO and the Center for Health Care Strategies, participating cross-agency teams worked to navigate program and policy opportunities in their states.

Join this webinar, 8/21, 1 – 2 pm ET, to hear from two community-based organizations that will share how they combine funding to deliver more integrated whole-person care under California’s CalAIM initiative. https://bit.ly/4bRJb2j Through the state’s CalAIM initiative to transform Medicaid, organizations have an opportunity to braid funds from different sources to provide more sustainable services. To braid funds, an organization brings financing from various sources together to support a common goal. However, braiding funds can be administratively challenging due to organizations needing to ensure that each funding source is used according to its specific rules. Community-based organizations and other interested stakeholders in California and nationally are invited to join this 60-minute event. The webinar is made possible by the California Health Care Foundation. Tuyen Tran

Each state is unique and there is no one-size fits all approach to offering health-related social needs (HRSN) services to #Medicaid members. This tool highlights how nine states are approaching decisions related to HRSN services.

What financing mechanisms can #Medicaid programs use to support community health worker services within their states? And how can #publichealth agencies advance these efforts? Learn more 👇

Today CHCS announced seven states — AK, AZ, ME, MI, ND, OR, and VA — chosen for the Building State Capacity for Community-Informed Policymaking Learning and Action Series. https://bit.ly/3LwJZPa This project will support Medicaid agencies in establishing or strengthening a Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) aligned with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services vision for centering Medicaid lived experience in Medicaid program and policy decision-making. The 14-month initiative will facilitate collaborative, peer-to-peer learning and guide the seven state Medicaid agencies in inventorying and strengthening existing member engagement strategies, formalizing a partnership with a community entity, developing a BAC action plan, and, ultimately, implementing the BAC. CHCS will distill lessons from the participating state activities to share emerging best practices nationally.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | The Center for Health Care Strategies is seeking a diverse cohort of Medicaid leaders to join the Medicaid Pathways Program class of 2025. This leadership development program, supported by the RWJF, aims to support Medicaid leaders in strengthening the necessary leadership skills to successfully oversee a complex organization like Medicaid and advance strategic initiatives that improve health and foster greater community engagement. Applications are due August 14. https://bit.ly/3J23iPE

Call for state applications! This policy academy will bring together teams of senior agency leaders from up to 6 states to develop multi-sector collaborative planning to improve reentry outcomes for people involved in the justice system with complex needs. Apply by July 26!

While many Safety Net Health Plans already prioritize health equity, developing a health equity strategic plan can significantly enhance the coordination and effectiveness of these efforts. Over the past two years, 15 Safety Net Health Plans participated in the Health Equity Learning Collaborative, led by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) in partnership with the Center for Health Care Strategies, to help the plans develop a health equity strategic plan that aligns organizational goals. This blog post shares key lessons for success that emerged across participating plans. It shares firsthand insights from Safety Net Health Plan representatives to inform other health plans across the nation as they seek to advance their health equity goals.