The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Supporting networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
Advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources provide relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Upcoming and past Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
February 26, 2025
Sabrina Corlette
Karen Davenport
Publication
Nov 11, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
Sep 15, 2025
Unsustainable increases in health care costs are leading to high rates of medical debt, sapping the vitality of small businesses, straining state budgets, and dampening wage growth.1,2,3 States have the power to help reduce health care costs, and several are pursuing policies to do so. However, when attempting to target the root cause of the affordability problem — high and rising provider prices — states have faced two primary challenges: (1) enforcing industry adherence, and (2) ensuring that savings are passed on to consumers. An “enhanced” form of health insurance rate review can help solve both problems. Rhode Island, the first state to implement enhanced rate review to ensure premium rates are fair for consumers, has documented savings for insurer members, as has Colorado.4,5,6 Delaware has adopted a similar program, and Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are considering doing so.7,8,9 This report provides a roadmap for states to take control of unsustainable health care cost increases and deliver direct premium relief to consumers by leveraging the rate review process.
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