Top Headlines 

Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Rates for Medicaid Enrollees

People enrolled in Medicaid have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than the general population — but state leaders are finding innovative ways to improve vaccine rates by identifying gaps in access, reducing barriers, and incentivizing providers and health plans.

Federal Funds Help States Modernize Behavioral Health Crisis Services

The American Rescue Plan Act provides states with funds that they can use to expand and modernize behavioral crisis systems. Learn how states can leverage these funds and explore key considerations for state policymakers.

States Adjust Contact Tracing Programs as Omicron Spreads

As COVID-19 caseloads go up and the Omicron variant spreads, some states are ramping up contact tracing efforts, others are scaling back programs to prioritize high risk cases, and some are turning to technology options to inform close contacts about exposure.

End of Life Planning: Best Practices in POLST

A POLST is a portable medical order that communicates treatment goals and preferences for people with serious illness or advanced frailty. Find out what states can do to promote POLST.

Addressing Bias and Advancing Equity in State Policy

This month, we’re featuring an article from Zero to Three. Check it out to get strategies and best practices for engaging families and communities in policymaking, promoting equity, and ensuring all babies get a strong start in life.