The Senate Finance Health Subcommittee hosted a roundtable panel discussion on opportunities to improve substance use disorder care in federal health programs. Roundtable participants shared their expertise in the treatment of substance use disorder, with particular insights on treatment for adolescents and providing care in community-based settings. The participants shared their collective frustration with barriers to prescribing methadone, prior authorization… (Marceno, April 10, 2024) #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) released findings from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) and hosted a roundtable with leaders from more than 25 nursing and health care organizations to discuss the future of the nursing workforce. Key findings of the NSSRN indicated increased diversity and higher educational attainment, but declining job satisfaction. The survey illuminated… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #COVID-19, #Quality, #Workforce

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has taken steps to fortify the primary care workforce by increasing loan repayments through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. HRSA has increased loan repayments by 50% for primary care providers, including M.D.s, D.O.s, OB-GYNs, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants, who commit to practicing in areas… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #Graduate Medical Education (GME), #Primary Care

The House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) unveiled the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), a draft federal privacy legislation aimed at establishing national data privacy rights (press release, section-by-section). This draft legislation represents a significant step towards establishing comprehensive national data privacy rights and protections for Americans. The primary… (Colocho, April 8, 2024) #Health Information Technology, #Privacy, #Public Health, #Transparency

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI/Innovation Center) held a webinar to describe the new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Primary Care Flex (ACO PC Flex) Model that was announced on March 19th (Impact summary). The model includes low-revenue Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs and will test how prospective payments and increased funding can impact outcomes, quality, and costs while encouraging… (McClurg, April 5, 2024) #Accountable Care Organizations, #Health Equity, #Primary Care

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Contract Year (CY) 2025 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) program and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D) final rule (press release, fact sheet). What it is. The final rule includes proposals intended to enhance beneficiary protections, advance health equity, and improve access to behavioral health… (Llamas, McClurg, Slifer, Colocho, Marceno, Eisen, April 5, 2024) #Medicare Advantage

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) held a presentation to discuss the Office’s Catalytic Program on Utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The catalytic program is intended to support health care providers in taking advantage of the tax credits, grants, and other supports made available by the IRA. OCCHE is hosting a series… (McClurg, April 4, 2024) #Hospitals

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security convened a field hearing to examine the impact of private equity (PE) on access to health care, particularly in light of the recent Steward Health Care “financial crisis” in Massachusetts. This hearing aimed to delve into the broader discussion surrounding the adverse effects of private… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #Costs, #Delivery Reform, #Health Equity, #Hospitals, #Quality, #Rural Health, #Workforce

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report addressing the critical shortage of behavioral health providers within the Medicare and Medicaid systems. This shortage is particularly concerning given the significant demand for behavioral health services across the United States, with over 160 million individuals residing in areas designated as mental health… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #COVID-19, #Delivery Reform, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Prevention

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a comprehensive white paper aimed at addressing the persistent issue of drug shortages within the nation’s health care system (press release). The paper not only outlines the steps already taken by HHS to mitigate shortages but also proposes additional policy solutions for consideration by policymakers. The white paper underscores the critical importance of ensuring… (Colocho, April 2, 2024) #Costs, #Drug Pricing, #Generic Drugs, #Hospitals, #Medical Devices, #Pharmacy Benefit Managers, #Prevention, #Public Health, #Transparency