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.
Networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
A program dedicated to 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 offer 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.
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.
Focus Area
Event
February 2026 Mary Louise Gilburg,
On February 12, the Milbank Memorial Fund and The Physicians Foundation released a Health of US Primary Care report on the role of primary… More
News Article
December 2025
In a December 15, 2025, letter to Congressional leaders, The Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) and 49 national and state organizations, including the Milbank Memorial Fund, expressed support for the efficiency adjustment included in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. More
Blog Post
December 2025 Farzad Mostashari,
Primary care improves outcomes, reduces costs, and decreases disparities, yet continues to be critically underfunded. The result? Fewer clinicians choosing primary care, particularly independent primary care, declining morale among those who do, and decreased patient access. More
November 2025 Asaf Bitton, MD, MPH,
Health care should not just be about treating illness. It should be about preventing it, building long-term healing relationships, and improving overall health outcomes. So, when we talk about how to extend life expectancy and improve health at a sustainable cost, the answer is simple: double down on primary care. More
October 2025 Lara Shemtob ,
I’m running late in clinic. I’ve just had a complex consult, and I have three patients waiting downstairs. I have to document the appointment that has just taken place and put the care plan into action, including by sending urgent referrals. I feel it’s not always appropriate to type away while speaking to patients, which can come at the cost of rapport. But when I document asynchronously, I am left playing catch up. More
Publication
October 2025 Jessica McCann, Margaret Flinter,
Decades of research confirms the safety, quality, and effectiveness of care provided by NPs, including care for complex patients, and their acceptance and approval by patients. Yet challenges remain in recruiting and retaining NPs in primary care. More
September 2025 Christopher F. Koller,
The Trump administration released a draft Medicare rule this summer that might have been missed amid HR1’s large funding cuts to Medicaid and the health insurance marketplaces. But the administration’s proposed changes to the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee schedule are an important step toward strengthening primary care — and following through on its commitment to “Make America Healthy Again.” More
September 2025 Christopher F. Koller, Diana Bianco, Katie Greene, Maddy Hraber, Sandra Wilkniss,
This report provides state leaders with a range of policy options states can use to strengthen primary care across geopolitically diverse contexts. More
August 2025 Monica O’Reilly-Jacob, Kyle Featherston, Lusine Poghosyan,
The number of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States quadrupled from 91,000 in 2007 to 431,000 in 2024. But does this remarkable growth result in improved access to primary care where it is needed most? More
May 2025 Ann M. Nguyen, Alexandra M. Williams, Stephanie Marcello ,
Integrated care functions as a treatment and prevention strategy, where healthy behaviors are established well before they turn into complex, expensive chronic conditions. More