State leaders know that that their peers can be great resources for information, making everyone's health care reform work more efficient and cost-effective.

Here's what your colleagues are asking and sharing:

>>On Medicaid, a user from Nevada asked:
What 'take-up rate' are states using in their estimates of the Medicaid expansion caseload? Read more

A response came from Oklahoma:
We're using 57%, which is the rate that CBO used in scoring the ACA. Read more

>>A new user started a conversation with an introduction:
I'm working on outreach and education for Rhode Island's Exchange. I'm drawing up a communications plan for the Exchange. Any advice on good resources? Read more, and weigh in with ideas

(User comments and questions have been edited for length.)

Nation: State Progress on Essential Health Benefits

Uploaded by user Chris Cantrell

This chart--included in State Refor(u)m's collection of exclusive content--highlights state activity around selecting essential health benefits benchmark plans. The information documented in the chart is based on information and materials that states have shared on statereforum.org. Has your state taken steps toward selecting a plan? Get it included in a future update of this analysis by posting information here.

Navigators: Maryland Navigator RFP and  Arkansas Navigator RFI

Uploaded by the State Refor(u)m team 6/5/2012

Maryland seeks a contractor to provide neutral policy analyses of the state's options for designing and operating its Navigator program. The contractor will analyze possible navigator functions, training, outreach to culturally diverse groups, and more.

Arkansas's search is for a software solution that can manage grant applications and navigator certifications, and meet other technical needs.

NASHP's Jason Buxbaum explains how integrating behavioral health and primary care can help the newly Medicaid eligible and other enrollees manage mental health and substance abuse. He also describes some of the cost benefits of integration, and lists four things states can do to foster integrated care.

>>Read the post and share your insights in the comments

Thursday, June 28, 2012
3:30-4:45 PM EDT
Register here

Final eligibility rules provide flexibility in how states resolve inconsistencies and determine that income data from different sources are "reasonably compatible." Manatt Health Solutions has created a straw model to help states map out their options in determining applicant eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, and more. In this NASHP webinar, speakers will review these models and provide state and federal perspectives on how the models will work.

>>Read more and register