States in Action

States in Action is part of a Commonwealth Fund initiative on state innovations. For more information, contact program officer Rachel Nuzum, at rn@cmwf.org or Steve Schoenbaum, executive vice president for programs, at scs@cmwf.org.

October/November 2008

How are states trying to cover the uninsured in a worsening economy? Plus, a look at how the CMS directive limiting SCHIP expansions has affected state activity, related publications, and more.

August/September 2008

A look at the new State Quality Improvement Institute and leading states' innovative efforts to redesign their health care systems, using such tools as incentive-based payment reform and information technology.

June/July 2008

This issue focuses on pursuing value in health care, both in terms of improving quality and controlling costs; that is, "getting more bang for the buck." We describe new tools for measuring returns on investments, initiatives for managing high-cost and chronic care patients, and federally designated collaboratives that are implementing value-driven initiatives.

April/May 2008

An update on progress in Massachusetts, two years after passage of its comprehensive health reform legislation; how states are trying to control health care costs; comparing the presidential candidates' health plans; and more.

February/March 2008

Results of a survey exploring states' current e-health activities; three states take different approaches to covering the uninsured with limited public funds; and more.

November/December 2007

A look at state patient safety programs; how Arizona and Florida are promoting health information exchange; presidential candidates' health reform plans; and more.

September/October 2007

A look at how states are using incentives to promote healthy behaviors; promising programs in Illinois, San Francisco, and Washington State; presidential candidates' health reform plans; and more.

July/August 2007

How states are using the Fund's State Scorecard on Health System Performance; Louisiana aims to provide medical homes; presidential candidates' health plans; and more

May/June 2007

A close look at how federal action on SCHIP funding and eligibility rules will affect states' efforts to expand and improve children's coverage. Plus, state activity in public reporting and health IT; presidential candidates' health care reform proposals; and more.

March/April 2007

In this issue: States seek to strengthen the overall performance of the health system, in addition to expanding coverage. Plus, the first statewide health data network, in Delaware; Pennsylvania hospitals improve control of hospital infections; Washington State integrates physical and behavioral health services; and more.

January/February 2007

In this issue: opportunities and challenges for states in the use of performance incentives in Medicaid. Plus, Louisiana redesigns New Orleans' health system; Maine investigates ways to pay for Dirigo Health; New York considers closing hospitals; and more.

October 2006

In this issue: Washington State consumers join with health purchasers, payers, and providers to reform health care. Plus, West Virginia's Medicaid redesign, Rhode Island's health information exchange, and more.

July 2006

A profile of Wisconsin's efforts to publicly report information about the costs and quality of health care and snapshots of coverage expansion efforts in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee, and more. Plus: an analysis of Medicaid's new citizenship documentation requirement.