States are working to sustain and expand the community health worker (CHW) workforce as federal COVID-19 funding ends. Many are exploring long-term financing solutions, particularly through Medicaid, to ensure continued access to CHW services. Policymakers are collaborating with CHWs and stakeholders to strengthen training, certification, and funding strategies. This NASHP’s … [Read more...] about Trends in State Policies That Support the Community Health Worker Workforce
North America (U.S. and Canada)
Updates and FAQs: Developing and Implementing a Medicaid State Plan Amendment to Authorize Community Health Worker Reimbursement
Many states have used federal COVID-19 grants to expand community health worker (CHW) programs, recognizing their vital role in connecting communities to health and social services. With these grants ending, states are turning to Medicaid for sustainable funding. Several states have received federal approval to reimburse CHW services through Medicaid State Plan Amendments … [Read more...] about Updates and FAQs: Developing and Implementing a Medicaid State Plan Amendment to Authorize Community Health Worker Reimbursement
State Approaches to Community Health Worker Financing through Medicaid State Plan Amendments
The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed focus on community-led health efforts, with states increasingly partnering with community health workers (CHWs) to support underserved communities. Evidence shows CHWs improve access to care and health outcomes while reducing disparities, driving state policies to strengthen and fund their roles. NASHP’s Community Health Worker Learning … [Read more...] about State Approaches to Community Health Worker Financing through Medicaid State Plan Amendments
Lessons for Advancing and Sustaining State Community Health Worker Partnerships
As states work to strengthen public health systems and address healthcare workforce shortages, many are focusing on community health workers (CHWs) to improve health and equity. A recent 50-state review by NASHP highlights how states are supporting CHWs, particularly through Medicaid funding. Insights from surveys, interviews, and a roundtable discussion at the 2021 NASHP … [Read more...] about Lessons for Advancing and Sustaining State Community Health Worker Partnerships
The role of community health workers in a collaborative care management intervention for cancer pain management: a feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial
This study aimed to explore the potential of community health workers (CHWs) in helping rural and Hispanic/Latino cancer patients manage pain. The researchers surveyed and interviewed 12 experienced CHWs to understand their comfort levels, challenges, and needs for delivering a new pain management program. Most CHWs felt confident about working with cancer patients remotely, … [Read more...] about The role of community health workers in a collaborative care management intervention for cancer pain management: a feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial
