Innovative Health Plan Strategies for County Governments
This event will take place on Zoom Webinar. Please email nacomeetings@naco.org with any questions regarding registration or login issues.
County governments face unique challenges in managing employee healthcare costs while ensuring access to quality care. This webinar will delve deep into these obstacles and present solutions on how you support your county’s goals for improved health outcomes, budget predictability and employee satisfaction. Please join Craig Ulrich, Surest Key Account Executive with United Healthcare, to explore alternative health plan approaches that prioritize price transparency and promote the use of high-value providers, including models like the Surest Health Plan.
Michelle Alyssa Go Act reintroduced in the 119th Congress, a critical step for county behavioral health systems
On September 18, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization
On September 18, the U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act Reauthorization) (H.R. 2483) by voice vote, following House passage earlier this year. With strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
CMS releases Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity
On September 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional details on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, overviewing program goals, requirements and timelines.
MAHA Commission releases federal strategy outlining next steps in childhood chronic disease prevention
On September 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s new Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, following the earlier MAHA Report published in May 2025. The strategy builds on the assessment’s findings regarding four key drivers of childhood chronic disease: poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity and chronic stress and overmedicalization.
Counties encouraged to apply for newly established HHS Healthcare Advisory Committee
On August 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new Healthcare Advisory Committee, aimed at providing expert guidance on pressing healthcare challenges. This new committee represents an important opportunity for counties to have a voice in shaping federal healthcare policy.
Engaging people with ‘lived experience’ helps build substance use disorder programming
Philadelphia’s Keli McLoyd noted to NACo's Health Steering Committee that increased harm reduction initiatives have led to fewer drug overdose deaths.