State coverage expansions: learning from research and practice

As a nation, the US has much to learn from state innovation in expanding coverage. Oregon was the first of the states to try to craft a new approach to benefits as a part of an expansion strategy. Oregon has followed the initial implementation of its 1115 Medicaid waiver with almost constant review, readjustment and fine tuning of both the waiver and other health reform components of the Oregon Health Plan. The lessons from Oregon's early reforms should be front and center for the federal government and states as each grapples with the uninsured problem going forward.