Milbank State Leadership Network Exclusive Briefing: State Legislative Action on Medicaid and Behavioral Health

The Milbank State Leadership Network and experts from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) met on February 20, 2025, for a discussion on how states are approaching Medicaid and behavioral health policy during this legislative season. This conversation explored bipartisan approaches to strengthen coverage, address rising costs amid severe budget constraints, and improve access to substance use disorder treatment and suicide prevention.

Moderator:

• Morgan McDonald, MD, National Director for Population Health Leadership, Milbank Memorial Fund

National Conference of State Legislatures Panelists:

• Kathryn Costanza, JD, Health Program Principal
• Karmen Hanson, MA, Health Program Senior Fellow
• Tahra Johnson, MPH, Health Program Director
• Charlie Severance-Medaris, MPH, Health Program Project Manager