The number of statutes and programs to advance health equity at the state level has grown rapidly in recent years. Governmental policy not only means compliance but also opens opportunities to accelerate improvements healthcare organizations have been working toward.
Chartis conducted an assessment using more than 3 years of data from state departments of health and state legislatures, spanning from January 2020 to August 2023. This analysis covers all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, with a focus on state statutes and Medicaid initiatives that help to improve access to healthcare services, improve health equity, or reduce disparities in health outcomes of medically underserved populations.
This issue brief captures many of the trends in recent legislation, and the interactive map below allows users to explore the various policies implemented by each state.
“States collectively have enacted hundreds of legislative statutes designed to promote health equity and address gaps in specific health-related needs. Areas of focus include increasing access, addressing social drivers of health, providing timely behavioral health care, and improving outcomes in maternal health.”