Health Care

What’s driving state health policy debates in ’26

Legislatures face a pivotal year in responding to federal changes.
House Democrats prepare to speak on the steps of the Capitol to insist that Republicans include an extension of expiring health care benefits as part of a government funding compromise, in Washington, Sept. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

State legislatures are gearing up for a pivotal year in health care policy, driven by federal Medicaid cuts, the expiration of insurance subsidies, growing disputes over public health and technology, and a national concern about the rising costs of health care.  

Many of the debates will be driven by federal action — including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Medicaid reductions and new work requirements — and states’ responses are likely to diverge. 

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