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State Medicaid systems are creatively addressing pressing issues.
Medicaid has grown from its origins as the safety net system for low-income and disabled individuals to a major engine of innovation in the U.S. healthcare system. The flexible use of both state and federal funding has fostered creativity in shaping healthcare systems that effectively address unique local needs. State Medicaid systems are leaders in addressing some of the country's most pressing healthcare issues such as substance use disorders and behavioral health. They are also leaders in expanding digital health to deliver services, and they are aggressively pursuing community partnerships to reduce the impact of social determinants of health.
Examples of Medicaid innovations include creating transitions from institutional care to the home and in reducing homelessness. Accelerating the adoption of value-based payment is also an area of innovation in Medicaid managed care.
Long-Term Services and Supports, Transition to Home
With over half of long-term services and supports paid through Medicaid, many states are demonstrating creativity in how they are improving the movement of individuals from institutional settings to homes. In 2020, Ohio was one of four states to receive the Scan Foundation's Pacesetter Prize, which honors states making significant progress in improving LTSS. The...