State updates as of February 27, 2026.

State updates as of February 20, 2026.

State updates as of February 13, 2026.

State updates as of February 6, 2026.

On January 29, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the rule, “Medicaid Program: Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations – Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole.” The rule codifies H.R.1’s prohibition on certain healthcare-related (provider) taxes that meet technical federal requirements but effectively shift most of the tax burden onto the Medicaid program. This expert perspective outlines the key elements of the final rule, with a particular focus on the revised compliance timelines and the next steps for states.

State updates as of January 30, 2026.

Preliminary data from the 2026 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period paint a concerning picture of the individual market. Following significant policy shifts and changes in federal financial support, early metrics suggest two emerging trends: overall enrollment is lagging behind previous years, and consumers are increasingly trading comprehensive coverage for less generous coverage plans with lower premiums. This expert perspective examines data published by five states.

State updates as of January 23, 2026.

This expert perspective describes states’ initial steps to implement Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) activities, including an interactive map which examines which state agencies are designated to lead RHTP implementation and identifies whether states have established dedicated public-facing websites to promote transparency and accountability as implementation progresses. Agency designations in the map reflect an interpretation of publicly available materials.

State updates as of January 16, 2026.