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.
March 5, 2026
News Article
Mary Louise Gilburg
Sep 14, 2026
Aug 27, 2026
Jun 26, 2026
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On March 2, 2026, The Milbank Memorial Fund submitted a public comment in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s proposal to amend the § 685.102 Degree Definitions to include new definitions of graduate student and professional student. The proposed rule excludes several graduate degrees for health professions and related clinical sciences, lowering borrowing limits for these professional degrees. The Fund argues that this change will have negative implications for the health workforce pipeline, the cost of health care, and health care access in underserved areas, including many rural areas.
Based on the Fund’s expertise and experience in sustainable health costs and primary care, and The Milbank Quarterly’s peer-reviewed articles on population health and evidence-based health policy, the Fund recommends amending the proposed rule. We support the recommendation in a recent letter from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health to classify all graduate degrees in health professions and related clinical sciences (CIP codes beginning with 51) as professional degrees. Categorizing degrees by CIP codes would also allow for administrative efficiency and consistency in definitions, while considering the population health effects of these decisions. The Fund also signed on to a joint letter to the Department of Education submitted by Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and 38 co-signers.