Our Research
The Center for Health Systems Effectiveness (CHSE) studies how health care policies and programs work in the real world — especially for people who rely on Medicaid.
We partner with states and federal agencies and use national Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (TAF) data, to evaluate what’s working. We translate complex data into clear, practical insights that improve care quality, expand access and ensure public dollars are spent effectively.
Our research areas
State Medicaid & public program innovation
Under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, states can test new Medicaid approaches through time-limited demonstration waivers. CHSE serves as the independent external evaluator of these 1115 waivers in Oregon and Washington, two highly innovative states, rigorously assessing whether policy changes improve access and cost-effectiveness.
Behavioral health
We evaluate state and federal strategies to strengthen behavioral health systems for Medicaid enrollees. Our current work examines how managed care organizations structure provider networks and services, and how federal IMD waivers affect states that adopt them. Using claims data, workforce metrics and stakeholder input, we assess whether policy changes improve access, capacity, coordination, outcomes and service delivery.
Care for older adults
As the population ages, we study policies affecting older adults — particularly those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid with complex needs. We examine how policy influences access, coordination and outcomes, and we integrate Medicare and Medicaid data to assess whether programs improve independence and advance equity.
Reproductive & maternal health
Medicaid is the largest payer of maternity and contraceptive care in the United States. Using national Medicaid data, we examine how state-level coverage and policy differences influence access to and use of effective contraception and maternal health services, identifying whether changes in benefits, reimbursement or eligibility improve timely care and health outcomes.