Medicaid
Medicaid is a state-federal program that provides health insurance coverage to 59 million low-income Americans in all 50 states, the territories, and the District of Columbia. Approximately one-fifth of all U.S. citizens rely on Medicaid for their health insurance coverage.
Nearly all of NASHP’s work touches Medicaid in some way. NASHP provides information and technical assistance to states to help them improve their Medicaid programs. Examples of this work includes projects to help states: utilize waivers, understand opportunities created by the Deficit Reduction Act, engage in best practices for outreach, enrollment, and retention, and sustain their Medicaid programs in difficult budget climates. NASHP communicates with states to help them understand federal changes to the Medicaid program and facilitates state-to-state learning among Medicaid officials. Our publications and other resources highlight current issues such as access to dental care for Medicaid beneficiaries, medical homes, and the integration of Medicaid with other sectors such as housing and juvenile justice.
Our work in this area is generously supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and others.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
