HMA’s issue brief on the Medicaid Community Engagement Interim Final Rule provides a clear, actionable summary of new Medicaid work requirements and community engagement requirements for states, Medicaid health plans, providers, community-based organizations, and technology vendors. The report explains key policy changes issued by CMS on June 1, 2026, including exemptions such as medical frailty, … Read More
Ground Ambulance Payment Landscape: Challenges and Policy Options
June 2, 2026
Ground ambulance transport is a critical piece of the US healthcare infrastructure and is currently facing several challenges, which may result in the loss of patient access to care. These life-saving services play a vital role in the patient care continuum and significantly impact acute care and long-term recovery. Often, at critical and tense moments … Read More
Proposed Changes to Medicaid State Directed Payments and Targeted Practitioner Payments
May 28, 2026
On May 20, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-For-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments Proposed Rule. This proposed regulation outlines critical updates to Medicaid provider reimbursement, directly addressing federal mandates from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Working Families Tax Cut … Read More
Treatment-Resistant Depression: Costs, Caregiving, and Gaps in Care
May 27, 2026
HMA’s report examines the clinical, economic, and caregiving burden of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition affecting nearly one in three individuals with major depressive disorder. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review and analysis of Medicare data, the report highlights the substantial costs associated with TRD, including higher rates of hospitalization, increased healthcare utilization, and approximately … Read More
The New Uninsured: State Policy Options for Californians Losing Medi-Cal Coverage
May 6, 2026
HMA’s new report for the California Health Care Foundation explains how recent federal and state policy changes could cause up to two million Californians to lose Medi-Cal coverage. These changes will place new strains on the state budget and safety-net system. The report outlines practical short-term program paths California could use to preserve access to … Read More
2027 Proposed NBPP: Analyzing State and Consumer Impacts
March 10, 2026
On February 9, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) for 2027. The notice includes important proposed rules and parameters for the operation of the individual and small group health insurance markets in 2027 and beyond. This paper summarizes key provisions in the … Read More
Case Study Report: Lessons Learned from HealthySteps Technical Assistance in California
February 11, 2026
This report synthesizes insights from multiple efforts to support the financial sustainability of HealthySteps sites in California, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), community clinics (non-FQHCs), private practices, and other settings. Led by the HealthySteps National Office and Health Management Associates (HMA), the technical assistance (TA) elevated challenges, strategies and best practices to achieve sustainability … Read More
Medicaid Changes in the OBBBA and Implications for the Marketplace and Individual Market in 2027
January 29, 2026
In recent years, the individual market has undergone significant disruption. The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits (ePTC) at the end of 2025 and sweeping eligibility changes under the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act (OBBBA) have reshaped—and will continue to reshape—the individual market. The number of changes facing states and issuers in coming years are significant. … Read More
Analysis of the Costs and Medicaid Payment Adequacy for Ground Ambulance Services in New York State
January 15, 2026
Survey data from fiscal year (FY) 2022 suggest that entities that provide ground ambulance services in the State of New York are experiencing reimbursement challenges. Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA), contracted with the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) to conduct an independent study of the costs of delivering ground ambulance services in the state … Read More
When Investment is Good Medicine
December 16, 2025
In partnership with Sorenson Impact and Catalyst, Health Management Associates co-authored a white paper on the healthcare industry’s opportunity to move beyond treating illness to creating healthier communities. This paper outlines the opportunity for health systems and payers to leverage their balance sheets to make impact investments that align with their mission, as well as … Read More