Virginia Medicaid members have access, starting December 1, 2021, to six new behavioral health services that strengthen crisis response, address a national emergency in children’s mental health care and provide new supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. “These critical services will transform the way Virginians get care when they’re in crisis,” Governor Ralph Northam said. … Read more
The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today approved extended Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) postpartum coverage in Virginia. This will provide access to essential care for an estimated 6,000 Virginians and provide peace of mind for people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, who will now be able … Read more
Virginia’s ongoing nursing home workforce shortage has caught the attention of policymakers and health leaders across the state. The Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC), tasked with making health care policy recommendations and chaired by Del. Patrick Hope (D – Arlington), dedicated a specific study to the shortages in 2021, and found that one in … Read more
In the interest of reducing unnecessary health care spending in Virginia, members of the Joint Commission on Health Care reviewed an analysis of emergency department (ED) utilization and related costs this week. The overarching policy recommendation from the report was to adjust certain facilities’ reimbursement rates based on their levels of operation and care provided. … Read more
Conversations on equitable distribution and vaccinating kids were at the forefront of the Maryland Senate Vaccine Oversight Work Group meeting on Monday. The work group, which Senate President Bill Ferguson (D – Baltimore City) convened in January 2021, monitors the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state and discusses efforts to ensure efficiency and equitable access. … Read more
Eight policy solutions, aimed at addressing nursing home staff shortages and improving quality of care, received a final assessment from the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC)’s nursing facility workforce work group last week. The workgroup voted on whether or not to recommend each policy to the full JCHC for a formal vote on … Read more
The general election is right around the corner. With that in mind, State of Reform reached out to several health policy leaders in Virginia for a conversation on how the results might impact health policy in the state. More on that below. This edition of “5 Things We’re Watching” also features a Q&A with State … Read more
As the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) continues to adjust to an influx of new beneficiaries throughout the pandemic, the Commonwealth’s Medicaid program leadership is driving conversations on value-based purchasing models of care to improve health outcomes and affordability. DMAS’ Office of Value-Based Purchasing (OVBP) oversees financial and non-financial policies that promote … Read more
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is currently preparing for the impending end of the federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration, which will instigate a lengthy eligibility redetermination process for one in five Virginians who currently benefit from Medicaid. DMAS Director Karen Kimsey provided an update on the organization’s preparation for potential … Read more
Members of the Virginia Legislative Behavioral Health Subcommittee are expressing concern over whether they are “doing enough” to mitigate the Commonwealth’s ongoing workforce shortage at its behavioral health facilities. Virginia state hospitals are resuming Temporary Detention Order (TDO) admissions after they were halted last month due to staffing issues, but stakeholders spent last week’s meeting … Read more