NASHP offers tools and insight on Health Care Reform

The National Association for State Health Policy (NASHP) recently released a communication that offers perspective and several tools on changes in health care nationally and statewide.  Highlights include:

• NASHP Executive Director Alan Weil launches his new blog Once in A Weil.  The blog will offer periodic perspectives on health policy, federalism, and the state of the states.
• A breakdown of accountable care activity in Colorado.
• New chart from State Refor(u)m that tracks Medicaid expansion decisions throughout the country.

[Source: NASHP]

Safety Net Challenges In Delivering Accountable Care

"As defined by the Affordable Care Act and subsequent rulemaking, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are accountable for the cost and quality of care for a defined group of patients. In return, ACOs are able to share in savings that may result from providing cost-effective care, and they sometimes bear risk for excessive spending as well.  While originally intended for Medicare beneficiaries, public-sector ACOs have drawn considerable attention from many states as a vehicle for potentially providing more accountable, cost-effective care to Medicaid and uninsured populations.  At least ten states have already launched or are scheduled to launch Medicaid ACO initiatives..."  Click here to the full article.  [Source:Health Affairs]