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.
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Health Affairs Forefront published the third annual analysis of spending growth trends across cost growth target states on August 23, 2025. The analysis of 2023 health care spending trends in five cost growth target states, by Jessica Mar and January Angeles of Bailit Health, finds that Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Rhode Island exceeded their targets. Spending was high in all service categories, and in most states, Medicare or Medicaid spending grew faster than in previous years.
“As these states consider shifting their affordability strategies from transparency and monitoring toward action, it will be essential for state legislatures to equip agencies with robust enforcement authority to hold health care providers, insurers, and other entities accountable for exceeding targets and complementary cost containment policies,” the authors say. Complementary policies may include site-neutral payment policies, price growth caps, prescription drug price and pharmacy benefit manager oversight, and delivery system reforms.