The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final part one guidance on a select set of topics for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), which requires all Medicare prescription drug plans to offer their Part D enrollees the option to pay their out-of-pocket (OOP) Part D drug costs through monthly payments over the course of the plan year instead of as… (Slifer, February 29, 2024) #Drug Pricing, #Prescription Drugs

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ’s) Effective Health Care (EHC) Program has an opportunity to support the development of a review entitled, “Evidence Map on Home and Community-Based Services.” This technical brief aims to survey the current body of literature concerning home and community-based services, focusing on interventions, target populations, outcomes, person-centered approaches, pertinent quality measures, and to… (Marceno, February 28, 2024) #Health Equity, #Home Health, #Long-Term Care

President Biden issued an Executive Order (EO) aimed at safeguarding Americans’ sensitive personal data from exploitation by countries of concern. This order represents a significant step to enhance data security and prevent large-scale transfers of personal data to such countries. The focus lies on protecting various forms of sensitive information, including genomic, biometric, health, geolocation, and financial data, among others…. (Colocho, February 28, 2024) #Health Information Technology, #Privacy

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released version 2.0 of its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), marking a significant update since its inception in 2014. The new version expands the framework’s applicability to all organizations, irrespective of their industry or size, aiming to help manage and reduce cybersecurity risks effectively. NIST unveiled the initial draft of the revised Cybersecurity Framework… (Colocho, February 27, 2024) #Health Information Technology

The nonpartisan Aspen Health Strategy Group (AHSG), part of the Aspen Institute, released a new report examining the pressing need to reduce firearm injury and offering strategies for the health sector to mitigate its impact. As noted in the report, more than 48,000 Americans lost their lives to firearms in 2021, twice as many were injured, and millions more experienced… (Colocho, February 26, 2024) #Health Equity, #Prevention, #Public Health

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 by available by the IRA. OCCHE is hosting a… (McClurg, February 23, 2024) #Hospitals, #Tax

Highlights of recent federal funding announcements for behavioral health initiatives can be found below.  New Behavioral Health Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcements: Provider’s Clinical Support System – Universities NOFO, Applications Due April 15th The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced $5,400,000 for states and territories under the Provider’s Clinical Support System grant program. The aim of this… (Marceno, February 22, 2024) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids, #Prevention

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health outcomes in the United States and evaluating the efficacy of federal measures in addressing maternal health disparities. This comprehensive study assesses data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning maternal health outcomes during the pandemic, while also scrutinizing… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #COVID-19, #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Women’s Health

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a comprehensive report outlining proposals aimed at enhancing privacy protections for health data.  The report follows Sen. Cassidy’s request for information (RFI) in September 2023 seeking input on health data privacy from various stakeholders including trade associations, hospitals, health technology companies, and think tanks (Impact… (Colocho, February 21, 2024) #Health Information Technology, #Privacy, #Transparency

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released an audit of Evaluation and Management (E/M) services provided via telehealth during the first 9 months of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Several COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities are set to expire by the end of 2024, absent Congressional action, so policymakers are considering how to… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #COVID-19, #Insurance Coverage, #Physicians, #Telehealth