{"id":19587,"date":"2026-05-01T14:38:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T18:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/?p=19587"},"modified":"2026-05-05T14:38:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T18:38:37","slug":"state-health-updates-278","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/state-health-updates-278\/","title":{"rendered":"State Health Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>California\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Department of Health Care Services in partnership with Smile, California, is\u00a0<a id=\"OWAfa4201e5-a9da-8db9-fdb5-84cf4b6f1651\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/CAMEDI-CAL\/bulletins\/414c11a. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FCAMEDI-CAL%2Fbulletins%2F414c11a&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032355079%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dkzD9WUfWBpzOelo9Tei7iJdJlToRC8rwlXDjj96vEU%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"2\"><u>raising awareness about Medi-Cal Dental benefit changes taking effect on July 1, 2026<\/u><\/a>. On that date, adult members aged 19 and older who currently receive full\u2011scope benefits, but do not meet federal immigration status requirements, will no longer receive full-scope dental benefits and will transition to emergency-only dental coverage. To support access to care, Smile, California will host Mobile Dental Van events throughout 2026.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Colorado\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 Connect for Health Colorado, the state\u2019s official health insurance Marketplace,\u00a0<a id=\"OWAdd8d056b-6df1-55ea-e152-96d234f47740\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/connectforhealthco.com\/coordinated-state-effort-helped-keep-coloradans-insured-connect-for-health-colorado-releases-its-annual-open-enrollment-report\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fconnectforhealthco.com%2Fcoordinated-state-effort-helped-keep-coloradans-insured-connect-for-health-colorado-releases-its-annual-open-enrollment-report%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032373875%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=YzcwB0tOImLWZ4QMFRZzdLyYYhuuRgpfmxg4iazVyzM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"3\"><u>released its annual<\/u><\/a>\u00a0<a id=\"OWAd8a95dda-589b-e4ab-4138-77546d397e8e\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/c4-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/23125512\/Final-2026-OE-Report-.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fc4-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F04%2F23125512%2FFinal-2026-OE-Report-.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032393404%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=sLOt9CTqZ%2BkypLCcKpWjx6lZMtk5JUx7KTkYS6eM6SM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"4\"><u>Open Enrollment Report<\/u><\/a>. Colorado Premium Assistance is providing approximately $10.6 million per month to help offset premium costs due to the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credits for more than 176,000 customers. Even with remaining federal tax credits and Colorado Premium Assistance, Connect for Health Colorado estimates customers are paying approximately $19 million more per month in premiums compared to plan year 2025.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Connecticut<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 Governor Ned Lamont\u00a0<a id=\"OWA4e2231d9-2053-dba9-8d53-8dea0cbf1e5c\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/governor\/news\/press-releases\/2026\/04-2026\/governor-lamont-signs-legislation-protecting-vaccine-access-amid-federal-public-health-rollbacks?language=en_US. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.ct.gov%2Fgovernor%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F04-2026%2Fgovernor-lamont-signs-legislation-protecting-vaccine-access-amid-federal-public-health-rollbacks%3Flanguage%3Den_US&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032414656%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=7VAIlVTocIU8NKo%2FbsnjlGCNOv%2BeKZ%2Fc6VEhTZXV2lI%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"5\"><u>signed legislation protecting vaccine access<\/u><\/a>. House Bill 5044 removes the requirement under existing Connecticut statutes that the state\u2019s vaccine standards be linked to those set by ACIP and establishes the methods needed for the state to preserve the current vaccine standards. This move also ensures that pharmacists in Connecticut can continue to administer these vaccines, and that all state regulated individual and group insurance plans will continue covering their costs. In addition, the bill establishes a voluntary adult flu vaccine pilot program to help patients access free flu vaccines if they are uninsured or underinsured. For guidance to help states support continued vaccine access and maximize flexibility on the ground, see this SHVS\u00a0<a id=\"OWAbf2496ce-fd46-568a-9f7c-dc08334b370d\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/shvs.org\/resource\/state-vaccine-toolkit\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshvs.org%2Fresource%2Fstate-vaccine-toolkit%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032433516%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=97ZiPvdSXkDHbyOKMzBsXwWLZyPBGDSov8L8JwoNrsI%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"6\"><u>State Vaccine Toolkit<\/u><\/a>.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Hawai\u2019i\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">The Department of Health is\u00a0<a id=\"OWA362bcaf5-aea3-f69e-5c64-0b827c477330\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/health.hawaii.gov\/employment\/files\/2026\/04\/DEP_DIR_OPPPD_RHTP_Project-Analyst_125995.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhealth.hawaii.gov%2Femployment%2Ffiles%2F2026%2F04%2FDEP_DIR_OPPPD_RHTP_Project-Analyst_125995.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032453029%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mC7ODmoj%2BwFz1EDOCIKIqP9AwY0IyJuUv4xdfLNxnPw%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"7\"><u>hiring a Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) project analyst<\/u><\/a>. As a reminder, SHVS is tracking state RHTP implementation; this\u00a0<a id=\"OWA3a4a6062-3a7f-1170-5b18-fb79c05e7e34\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/shvs.org\/from-planning-to-action-tracking-which-state-agencies-are-leading-rhtp-implementation\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshvs.org%2Ffrom-planning-to-action-tracking-which-state-agencies-are-leading-rhtp-implementation%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032471609%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=36LIHfOdr9PrSUFerHQl4Wj2qdaD31Ia0z0PVxCqxc4%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"8\"><u>expert perspective<\/u><\/a>\u00a0identifies the state agencies leading RHTP work and includes links to state RHTP webpages. \u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">Meredith Nichols has been\u00a0<a id=\"OWA3ede4d26-8f51-6b0c-d327-732e25de4c79\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/medquest.hawaii.gov\/en\/about\/the-administration.html. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedquest.hawaii.gov%2Fen%2Fabout%2Fthe-administration.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032490689%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=wR1TVGWHuiYKTUUQc5aexc0eWP2RVdY8ZVIQabfb8X8%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"9\"><u>appointed as Medicaid Director<\/u><\/a>. Meredith previously served as the Deputy Medicaid Director\/Assistant Administrator for Med-QUEST from 2017 to 2026.\u00a0<span class=\"markvdqw0rmws uM2yb\" data-markjs=\"true\">Congratulations<\/span>, Meredith!\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Kentucky\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 Governor Andy Beshear announced that\u00a0<a id=\"OWA9863a4df-dbaf-7b49-1ff1-6c462e79259c\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.kentucky.gov\/Pages\/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&amp;prId=2739. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kentucky.gov%2FPages%2FActivity-stream.aspx%3Fn%3DGovernorBeshear%26prId%3D2739&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032510320%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Aet0nza0LyHUXiUmdZyKRb7M8Z4reeGr2mmwlBjylWk%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"10\"><u>overdose deaths in the commonwealth decreased for the fourth year in a row<\/u><\/a>, with a 22.9% decrease in 2025 compared with the previous year and a 50.8% decrease from 2021. The\u00a0<a id=\"OWA0dc5c543-af60-26f4-7916-80ac0e692a88\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/odcp.ky.gov\/Documents\/2025%20Overdose%20Fatality%20Report.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fodcp.ky.gov%2FDocuments%2F2025%2520Overdose%2520Fatality%2520Report.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032529480%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=spwc3U6bdi7KuHxvtWoMKA1E2MAxXzqZu0PolUQDSzk%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"11\"><u>2025 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report<\/u><\/a>\u00a0highlights that 2025 saw the lowest number of overdose deaths recorded since 2014.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Maryland\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Maryland Department of Health announced the\u00a0<a id=\"OWA005743d5-5caf-ad07-2abc-80d8d781aa46\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/health.maryland.gov\/newsroom\/Pages\/Maryland%20Department%20of%20Health%20launches%20Medically%20Tailored%20Meals%20Program%20to%20Improve%20Health%20Outcomes%20and%20Cost%20of%20Care.aspx. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhealth.maryland.gov%2Fnewsroom%2FPages%2FMaryland%2520Department%2520of%2520Health%2520launches%2520Medically%2520Tailored%2520Meals%2520Program%2520to%2520Improve%2520Health%2520Outcomes%2520and%2520Cost%2520of%2520Care.aspx&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032548757%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=YhJxBY8FBcmIeMTqlj9sX362Gt7pQs%2FoOJZeQinEZwk%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"12\"><u>launch of its Medically Tailored Meals program<\/u><\/a>. The Medically Tailored Meals Program is a free, six-month service that provides freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals tailored to each participant&#8217;s specific dietary needs. This program is intended to support disease management, reduce hospitalizations, and elevate the quality of life for vulnerable Marylanders. The Department is expanding this initiative by planning a Produce Prescriptions program, set to be rolled out later this year.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Michigan\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the\u00a0<a id=\"OWAea0f9426-997e-a76e-7e32-75f1ed265359\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/inside-mdhhs\/newsroom\/2026\/04\/27\/lock-map. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmdhhs%2Finside-mdhhs%2Fnewsroom%2F2026%2F04%2F27%2Flock-map&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032576317%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=7jLFpWwM81MwySlftK9%2F13LUuC7a6mmGUZ6a1w4RH6c%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"13\"><u>launch of a new statewide Gun Lock Distribution Map<\/u><\/a>, a tool designed to help residents easily locate free firearm safety devices and expand access to safe storage resources across Michigan.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Mississippi<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">Governor Tate Reeves announced the\u00a0<a id=\"OWA530a958c-3bdb-1b45-fd48-385b242da4cc\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/governorreeves.ms.gov\/mississippi-launches-rural-health-transformation-program-office-and-website\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernorreeves.ms.gov%2Fmississippi-launches-rural-health-transformation-program-office-and-website%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032596508%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=fqGorGhgaofFdZr%2Ftgx47HQfTWzvSWhhmH6dvk%2BYPvo%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"14\"><u>establishment of the Mississippi RHTP Office<\/u><\/a>\u00a0and launch of the official Mississippi RHTP website. The newly created office will be housed within the Office of the Governor.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">Governor Reeves announced the deployment of\u00a0<a id=\"OWA5790eb1c-b734-6325-08dd-d7c63cdc539b\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/governorreeves.ms.gov\/governor-reeves-announces-investment-in-mississippis-youth-mental-health-services\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernorreeves.ms.gov%2Fgovernor-reeves-announces-investment-in-mississippis-youth-mental-health-services%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032615444%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=uakjA%2BThaeJ8NuEck1UXQyWShSiKr9E9XLVQQMf5D80%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"15\"><u>$13,464,444 to support mental health systems for Mississippi children, youth and students<\/u><\/a>. Through the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act Coronavirus Relief (CDBG\u2011CV) program, the Mississippi Development Authority has approved targeted funding to expand access to mental healthcare, increase telehealth capacity, support specialized behavioral health workforce training and enhance community\u2011based education efforts across the state.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Missouri\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Missouri Department of Social Services\u2019\u202fRural Health Transformation Office is preparing\u202fto release an\u202f<a id=\"OWAd2622769-9cff-aaf1-695c-6c271b2abe85\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/MODSS\/bulletins\/414b8bd. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FMODSS%2Fbulletins%2F414b8bd&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032634621%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=n0RNVzdo%2F9wXgTYLD65%2BySN%2FS%2FkE61C2Tn4aH15bhpo%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"16\"><u>invitation for bid for\u202fthe Strategic Minor Renovations program<\/u><\/a>, a key initiative under the state\u2019s\u202fToRCH\u202f(Transformation of Rural Community Health) Care model, part of its RHTP effort.\u202f\u202f<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Nebraska\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 The Department of Health and Human Services\u00a0<a id=\"OWA14bb9b39-6eba-f018-84ad-eb93652b7fe2\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/dhhs.ne.gov\/Pages\/New-Medicaid-Work-Requirements-Take-Effect-for-Expansion-Members-Friday.aspx. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdhhs.ne.gov%2FPages%2FNew-Medicaid-Work-Requirements-Take-Effect-for-Expansion-Members-Friday.aspx&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032653830%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=xqjEVrOBSjt9Z51Y8jUS4nMVPEvdwxNkyXbODEtV5Yo%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"17\"><u>will implement new work requirements for Medicaid enrollees in the expansion category<\/u><\/a>. H.R.1 requires states to implement the changes by January 1, 2027; Nebraska will implement the new work requirements starting May 1, 2026. Although the requirements take effect May 1, they will not be applied to all expansion members immediately. Reviews will occur during each member&#8217;s regularly scheduled Medicaid renewal period.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>New Mexico<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 The New Mexico Health Care Authority issued a request for proposals\u00a0<a id=\"OWA68565e6f-22ca-cce5-18e8-38ce7cf91e63\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.hca.nm.gov\/2026\/04\/27\/new-mexico-seeks-vendors-to-support-rural-and-behavioral-health-program-administration\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hca.nm.gov%2F2026%2F04%2F27%2Fnew-mexico-seeks-vendors-to-support-rural-and-behavioral-health-program-administration%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032672734%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dek3BBgW%2Bb6pxGOwDGAXfhR3siTdmrcX%2F4Wayr7cPr0%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"18\"><u>seeking qualified vendors to support key rural and behavioral health initiatives<\/u><\/a>\u00a0across the state. This procurement will support administration and oversight of multiple programs, including the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, the federally funded RHTP, implementation of the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3), and non-Medicaid behavioral health services.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>North Carolina<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 Governor Josh Stein announced he has\u00a0<a id=\"OWA3d680fc2-d449-eb9a-41b2-8a2a0ca10d75\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/governor.nc.gov\/news\/press-releases\/2026\/04\/30\/governor-stein-takes-action-one-bill. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.nc.gov%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F04%2F30%2Fgovernor-stein-takes-action-one-bill&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032692350%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6awtnU4PnvPbNEk7m87lwtLTl%2BZy1q6RsuFJz0FVV40%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"19\"><u>signed House Bill 696 to fully fund the state\u2019s Medicaid program<\/u><\/a>. In a signing statement Governor Stein wrote, \u201cFully funding Medicaid is critical for North Carolinians\u2019 health and safety. I am pleased that we have come together on a bi-partisan basis to get people the certainty and care they need\u2026Yet, this bill has serious flaws that I call on the General Assembly to fix during this Short Session. It will eliminate health care coverage for nearly 27,000 pregnant women and children who are lawfully present in the United States, including victims of human trafficking, green card holders, and refugees. Women in need will be cut off from care in the middle of their pregnancies and children during their most vulnerable years\u2026The bill also layers onerous red tape that will force some North Carolinians to wait up to three months, longer than nearly every other state to get the health care benefits they are eligible to receive. And at a time when health care costs continue to burden working families, this bill makes Medicaid expansion recipients&#8217; co-pays for certain health services more expensive.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>North Dakota<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 North Dakota Health and Human Services announced that\u00a0<a id=\"OWA276bcb46-080b-7d3d-365e-6fb81efd5152\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/news\/tribal-liaison-and-rural-health-care-advisor-join-hhs-rural-health-transformation-program. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.nd.gov%2Fnews%2Ftribal-liaison-and-rural-health-care-advisor-join-hhs-rural-health-transformation-program&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032713120%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6P6eljfRo9fuSoBCPGTPYR%2BvRR3w3fpk7RBUo%2FbIpEc%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"20\"><u>a tribal liaison and a rural healthcare advisor have joined the agency to help guide the RHTP<\/u><\/a>. As tribal liaison, Vincent Roehr will help ensure tribal perspectives, priorities and sovereignty are meaningfully integrated into the program, helping advance rural healthcare in tribal communities. As a rural healthcare advisor, Douglas McMillan will lead efforts serving North Dakota rural healthcare facilities assessing their current operations and building effective pathways from \u201csurvivability to thrive-ability.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced the\u00a0<a id=\"OWA6ab00137-b71c-1e1d-a071-e2df99783553\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/agencies\/dhs\/newsroom\/shapiro-admin-invests--25-million-for-rural-health-. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pa.gov%2Fagencies%2Fdhs%2Fnewsroom%2Fshapiro-admin-invests--25-million-for-rural-health-&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032733306%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bM4OX8mwOnyCyYXYomPP%2B8dyLSOzK1pxhANbYL17mw0%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"21\"><u>first funding opportunity through the RHTP, making $25 million available<\/u><\/a>\u00a0to qualified entities including hospitals, healthcare providers, and rural health facilities operating in areas eligible for the funding. This initial funding opportunity will support purchase of supplies and equipment as well as renovations and structural improvements, and funded projects will receive up to $1 million to support these initiatives.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>Texas\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is making\u00a0<a id=\"OWA77945553-7c3f-b9af-1ec7-4f490549b419\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/gov.texas.gov\/es\/news\/post\/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-99-million-in-federal-funding-for-rural-hospitals-to-recruit-workers. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgov.texas.gov%2Fes%2Fnews%2Fpost%2Fgovernor-abbott-hhsc-announce-99-million-in-federal-funding-for-rural-hospitals-to-recruit-workers&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032752039%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=1bllTvXhU9QZVZ8NKWH2NRYdhQQNmWSgSeopvmNHqiE%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"22\"><u>$99 million in federal funding available to rural hospitals<\/u><\/a>. As part of the state\u2019s RHTP, the Rural Texas Strong plan, the grant opportunity will help healthcare providers recruit and retain workers.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><em><strong>West Virginia<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the\u00a0<a id=\"OWA059a2139-2838-41c2-88b6-46655a151483\" class=\"x_x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/governor.wv.gov\/article\/governor-morrisey-announces-first-2856-million-rural-health-transformation-funding. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.wv.gov%2Farticle%2Fgovernor-morrisey-announces-first-2856-million-rural-health-transformation-funding&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clbuddenbaum%40princeton.edu%7Cc59f4236434d484d3ff908dea7a95bfa%7C2ff601167431425db5af077d7791bda4%7C0%7C0%7C639132543032770802%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=cjGAbn4flaA6eRFiRAfz082j7wCgIOREAQtYVKRxABQ%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"23\"><u>first tranche of $28.56 million in RHTP funding opportunities<\/u><\/a>, now open for eligible organizations to apply to improve health outcomes, help more West Virginians return to the workforce, and strengthen the state\u2019s rural healthcare workforce.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>California\u00a0\u2013 The Department of Health Care Services in partnership with Smile, California, is\u00a0raising awareness about Medi-Cal Dental benefit changes taking effect on July 1, 2026. On that date, adult members aged 19 and older who currently receive full\u2011scope benefits, but do not meet federal immigration status requirements, will no longer receive full-scope dental benefits and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2,223],"class_list":["post-19587","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-shvs","tag-state-updates"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19587"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19587\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19593,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19587\/revisions\/19593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shvs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}