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.
March 2002 (Volume 80)
Quarterly Article
John Chapin
Bruce Fetter
September 2026
Sep 25, 2026
Sep 23, 2026
Back to The Milbank Quarterly
In 2000, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health reorganized its allocation of federal and state funds by basing contracts on performance rather than audited costs. This created a quasi market in which the state acted as the buyer and the local health departments as the sellers of public health services. In its first year of operation, the program more effectively defined public health objectives to its funders and constituencies, linked its fiscal accountability more closely to attainment, and documented performance more carefully. In the next two years, the program will focus on improving the quality of objectives and training all parties in negotiation skills. The 2003-6 contract cycle will concentrate on multiyear and multiprogram objectives and a Web-based contract management system. This new contract system will not, however, be established permanently until its long-range impact on funding levels and population health status is known.
Author(s): John Chapin; Bruce Fetter
Read on Wiley Online Library
Read on JSTOR
Volume 80, Issue 1 (pages 97–124) DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.00004 Published in 2002