The Medicare Payment and Access Commission (MedPAC) will include a congressionally requested report on behavioral health services under the Medicare program in the June 2023 report that could inform potential legislative action this Congress. At today’s meeting, commissioners identified high-priority areas of interest: (1) eliminating the 190-day lifetime limit on psychiatric hospital services; (2) contemplating an innovative model for behavioral… (Llamas, April 14, 2023) #Mental and Behavioral Health

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) convened a panel focused on access to covered dental benefits for adult Medicaid beneficiaries.  The panel included three panelists representing Virginia’s adoption of full dental benefits for all Medicaid beneficiaries, Louisiana’s adoption of dental benefits for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and subsequently expansion to include the Intermediate Care Facility… (Joyce, April 13, 2023) #Chronic Diseases, #Dental Health, #Health Equity, #Prevention, #Primary Care, #Public Health, #Rural Health, #Telehealth, #Value-Based Insurance Design, #Waivers

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) convened a session to vote on the draft recommendations to lower Medicare spending on Part B drugs. MedPAC staff presented the policy options the Commission is considering as alternative approaches for Medicare to address high prices and uncertain clinical evidence for Part B accelerated approval drugs, lack of price competition for drugs with similar… (Colocho, April 13, 2023) #Drug Pricing

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a proposed rule to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to better protect sensitive information related to reproductive health care, including abortion, and bolster patient-provider confidentiality (press release; fact sheet).   What it is. OCR proposes to strengthen protections for reproductive health… (Llamas, April 12, 2023) #Privacy, #Women’s Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Nutrition Research (ONR) issued a request for Information (RFI) inviting input on research opportunities and best practices for Food is Medicine research programs. Food is Medicine is a term used to describe the connection between nutrition and health. It involves providing food that supports health and has a nexus to the health care… (Colocho, April 12, 2023) #Health Equity, #Nutrition, #Prevention, #Public Health

The Biden-Harris Administration announced the approval of the first nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal spray, Narcan. This action represents a significant advancement in promoting both the accessibility of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid-related overdoses, and equitable access to essential health care. The approval allows for the life-saving medication to be sold directly to consumers in drug stores, convenience… (Colocho, March 31, 2023) #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids, #Public Health

The House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education held a hearing with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra on the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget request for HHS (WHG summary). Secretary Becerra discussed the transformation of the U.S healthcare system from an illness care system to a wellness care system… (Joyce, March 30, 2023) #Budget, #COVID-19, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Nutrition, #Pediatrics, #Public Health, #Women’s Health

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced two funding opportunities, worth $123.6 million, for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) expansion. The CCBHC Planning, Development, and Implementation (CCBHC-PDI) grant will help establish new CCBHC programs, while the CCBHC Improvement and Advancement (CCBHC-IA) grant aims to enhance existing CCBHCs that… (Colocho, March 28, 2023) #Community Health Centers, #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids, #Prevention, #Public Option

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) issued a request for nominations for new members of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality (Council) which advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Director of AHRQ on national health services research priorities. Seven new members are sought to replace seven members whose terms expire… (Testa, March 27, 2023) #Quality

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The OFVPS reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to prioritizing domestic violence prevention and addressing the intersections of domestic violence prevention work across the federal government. The new office will help… (Colocho, March 20, 2023) #Prevention, #Women’s Health