Peterson-Milbank Program for Sustainable Health Care Costs

Download consensus definitions and methodologies for health care cost driver analyses and cost growth target programs. More

This issue brief examines how three of these states —Massachusetts, Oregon, and California — have strengthened cost growth target accountability. It also highlights five states — California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Oregon — that have leveraged their cost growth targets in other health care oversight programs. More

In a new Health Affairs Forefront article, Milbank Memorial Fund president Christopher Koller discusses the role of health care cost growth target programs in spurring policy change to lower cost growth. More

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

Health care affordability is a key concern for state agencies and policymakers looking to ensure access to care without creating undue financial burdens on patients, employer purchasers, and states. But affordability means different things to different stakeholders. For consumers, it might mean whether they can pay out-of-pocket costs without skipping care. For employers, it may mean health plan premium increases that don’t cut into their margins and/or reduce the ability offer competitive wages. For state officials, it might mean balancing the state budget by managing Medicaid and state employee health plan spending.  More

On May 12, the Rhode Island Cost Trends Steering Committee and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner hosted their annual public forum on health care affordability and quality. s. On the same day, the Massachusetts Senate held a hearing for Senate Bill 867, which would establish a primary care spending target. More