Governors Discuss State Innovation Model Initiative Funding
Officials from several states have spoken about the share of $665 million in government funding received in the SIM initiative.
- Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $665 million in government funding to 23 states, three territories and the District of Columbia as part of incentive payouts from the Affordable Care Act. These payments are part of the State Innovation Model initiative that is pushing states to transform healthcare payment and delivery platforms.
Now, several states have issued statements about the funding and what they plan to do with the money. Here is a round-up of some of the more notable sums handed out to states.
New York
The state of New York, in coordination with Health Research Inc., received $100 million. The money will support an ambitious blueprint to improve the quality and coordinate care. The program will develop and implement innovative health service delivery and payment models, which help give access to integrated care delivery systems.
“Building the best possible healthcare system means growing our resources and taking an innovative approach to providing care for New Yorkers – and that is exactly what this grant is helping us achieve,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “This funding will go a long way toward improving the quality of care for people in virtually every corner of the state. I am proud that our work on this issue has been recognized by our federal partners as we continue to lay the groundwork for safer and healthier communities for all New Yorkers.”
Ohio
The state of Ohio, along with several area health plans, will be using the $75 million awarded through the innovation program as part of a four-year plan to switch from a fee-for-service model to a value-based approach that focused on better planning and coordination of care.
“Ohio’s plan is bold because it recalibrates the basic rules of health care competition to reward better care – not just more care,” Greg Moody, director of the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation, said in a release. “The key to Ohio’s success has been the inclusion of patients, employers, providers and health insurance plans to identify sources of value and improve overall health system performance.”
Colorado
Colorado has been awarded $65 million as part of the State Innovation Model. The money will be used to further develop a plan that will focus on improved integration of physical and behavioral health services.
“While Colorado continues to rank as one of the healthiest states in nation – from highest in physical activity to lowest in obesity – this award will support our efforts in another critical factor of well-being which is the integration of physical and behavioral health,” Hickenlooper said.
Washington
Washington was awarded $65 million that will be part of a new movement called Healthier Washington and will be controlled by the state’s Health Care Authority. The goal is to reform healthcare by better integrating physical and mental health and the treatment the treatment of substance abuse.
“I want every family to have access to affordable, effective health care, a healthy environment and an opportunity to learn so they and their kids thrive,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “Washington has an entrepreneurial spirit that uniquely positions us to improve health for our residents. There has never been a state more determined to innovate the way it delivers health care. The Healthier Washington project provides the necessary strategy and investments to accelerate change.”
