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.
Publication Topic
News Article
June 2026
In a new Health Affairs Forefront article, Michael Bailit, January Angeles, and Rachel Block show how states with health care cost growth targets… More
Event
November 2025
Join us for a webinar to explore how states can garner compelling data insights from their All-Payers Claims Database (APCD) to inform health care affordability initiatives. More
September 2025
The third annual analysis of spending growth trends across cost growth target states finds all five exceeded their targets. More
Blog Post
August 2025 Rachel Block,
The passage of HR1/OBBB, the 2025 budget reconciliation law, is expected to lead to the loss of coverage for 16 million Americans, lower revenue for health systems, and add administrative burden to states. There are a few ways that states can try to minimize these harms. More
Publication
June 2025
Download consensus definitions and methodologies for health care cost driver analyses and cost growth target programs. More
June 2025 Jessica Mar, Sarah Kinsler,
In 2024 and 2025, Bailit Health convened two work groups to establish consensus definitions and methodologies for health care spending analyses with support from the Peterson-Milbank Program for Sustainable Health Care Costs. More
May 2025 January Angeles, Erin Taylor,
Introduction Policymakers across the political spectrum have long recognized the widespread and growing burdens posed by high and rising… More
Virtual Briefing
May 2025 Sarah-Hannah Herman,
The Milbank State Leadership Network hosted a virtual session for state legislators and legislative staff to discuss factors contributing to rising… More
December 2024 Grace Flaherty,
State health care cost growth target programs aim to control health care spending by setting an annual goal for the maximum rate at which health care costs should increase that is tied to income and/or economic growth. In addition to reporting spending growth at the state, insurer market, and individual insurer levels, states with cost growth target programs report spending growth for large provider organizations, such as health systems and hospitals. Reporting on provider organization cost growth is an important strategy for keeping providers accountable for constraining spending growth. However, accurately attributing spending to these large provider entities can be challenging. More
March 2024
Join a Peterson-Milbank for Sustainable Health Care Program webinar, Leveraging Hospital Financial Analyses to Inform State Policy, on April 9, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET, for a look at the forthcoming “Guide to Hospital Financial Analyses,” and a discussion with state leaders who are using this data to inform their understanding of their health care markets and potential policy responses. More