Flexible policies in Oregon and Colorado support health care providers amid a steady increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19.

Maryland, Oregon, and Colorado provided funding and regulatory flexibility to health care providers amid a surge in pediatric respiratory syncytial virus cases.

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey highlights common trends in health equity, telehealth access and quality, and coverage expansion initiatives.

CMS approved Colorado's Section 1332 waiver application to create a state-based standard health benefit plan.

A new Colorado law mandates that each hospital form a staffing committee and report its annual master nurse staffing plan to the health department.

Colorado reactivates its statewide crisis standards of care related to health care workforce staffing, and the state health department approves booster vaccines for all eligible adults. California's Department of Public Health encourages providers to offer booster shots to adults.

Colorado is requiring medical-grade face coverings for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated employees in settings that serve vulnerable or at-risk populations, and Mississippi is recommending those 65 and older avoid mass gatherings, regardless of vaccination status.

The administration approved the Pfizer vaccination for emergency use. In preparation, states — including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Washington — have outlined their vaccine distribution plans, which must be submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order allowing hospitals to transfer or deny patients when the hospital reaches full capacity. Meanwhile, several states across the nation are hosting special legislative sessions to address COVID-19.

As the public health emergency continues, states make unexpected budgetary decisions that could significantly affect health care. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released an executive order stating hospitals are not allowed to discharge patients to nursing homes unless they test negative for COVID-19.

States are exploring a variety of COVID-19 recovery plans to meet their local economic and health care needs. While some states opt to follow guidance from the Trump administration and national groups, others are taking individualized approaches focused on testing and social distancing.

With expected gridlock between our new divided Congress, states could be the ones to drive major health policy activity in 2019.

Leaders in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wisconsin have expressed interest in allowing individuals who cannot afford private health insurance to buy into the Medicaid program if they are otherwise ineligible.

Colorado's new policy requires certain providers to report the acquisition cost of drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program; Mississippi mandates that certain providers identify 340B-purchased drugs on medical and retail pharmacy claims.