State Health and Value Strategies

Partnering to Change Outcomes

The Program on U.S. Health Policy sponsors initiatives to assist states with health reform implementation and to spur innovation in health care access, delivery and cost containment. 

State Health & Value Strategies (SHVS)

Program director: Heather Howard, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

State Health and Value Strategies (SHVS) is a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focused on assisting states with transforming their health care systems to be affordable, equitable and innovative. By connecting states with experts in the field, SHVS is able to provide timely and meaningful technical assistance to states when they need it the most. SHVS assists states in four key domains:

  • Affordability – A system of coverage and care that is affordable for consumers and sustainable for states is central to creating a health care system that meets the needs of patients. SHVS provides states with best practices to develop coverage options that are realistic and affordable.
  • Coverage – Comprehensive coverage that allows patients to access the care they need is critical to building a Culture of Health, in which everyone in America has a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being. SHVS works with states to expand coverage opportunities and protect coverage gains.
  • Integration – Systems of care and government agencies need to coordinate and communicate in order to fully address the goals and needs of the people they serve. SHVS brings together multiple strands of the health and social service systems to share best practices and identify opportunities for alignment to address people’s goals and needs.
  • Value – Promoting systems of care that reward health outcomes over volume of services is a mission of SHVS. States can leverage technical assistance to drive payment change and support population health initiatives. 

The technical assistance SHVS provides to states is informed by two overarching goals: that every person should have the same opportunities to access the health care system and have a fair and just opportunity to lead the healthiest lives possible; and to support the needs and goals of all patients as they interact with the health care system.