In this month’s newsletter we feature two new RFPs out of the Maryland Department of Health, a video interview with HFAM CEO & President Joe DeMattos, and a conversation on efforts to improve the implementation of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in the state. Thank you for reading! Emily Boerger State of Reform 1. … Read more
In this month’s newsletter we have an interview on care integration with FBHA CEO Melanie Brown-Woofter, a deep dive on Medicare-related provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, and details on a new RFP for home visiting services providers. Thanks for reading! Emily Boerger State of Reform 1. Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on prescription drugs … Read more
In this edition of “5 Things We’re Watching” we feature an update on the state’s efforts to develop data-driven solutions to address substance use, a conversation on women’s health policy, and a look at hospital price transparency compliance. Thank you for your continued support! Emily Boerger State of Reform 1. Q&A: Rep. Linda Ichiyama … Read more
Late last month, CMS dropped its challenge of Texas’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, ending a year-long dispute between the Biden administration and HHSC that held the future of Texas Medicaid in the balance. HHSC’s original waiver, granted by the Trump administration in January of 2020, is now reinstated, securing the state’s Medicaid funding through 2030. In … Read more
The Colorado Legislature is set to adjourn on Wednesday after a busy session largely focused on the development of the Behavioral Health Administration, health care support for older Coloradans, and health care billing and payment reform. See our coverage of some of this legislation, as well as an insightful conversation with incoming BHA Commissioner Dr. Morgan … Read more
In case you missed it, yesterday we released the Detailed Agenda for the 2022 State of Reform Federal Health Policy Conference. It’s a strong list of over 60 speakers that we’re excited to bring together for conversations on the most important health policy topics and issues facing the country. This virtual event will take place in less than … Read more
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter, relaxation, and good company. In this edition of “5 Things We’re Watching,” we feature some of the conversations taking place ahead of the 2022 legislative session, which begins next week. We have a breakdown of health funding in the governor’s … Read more
The health sector has long resisted revealing the prices it charges payers and consumers, but bipartisan pressure from Washington is forcing it to change. New rules are beginning to take effect, or will in the coming years, which will push into the public domain a flood of pricing data. The disruption to the industry could … Read more
Projections for Arizona show that COVID may not be as bad this fall and winter as it was last year when Arizona had one of the worst levels of the virus in the US. While overall vaccination rates are still low in Arizona relative to other states, estimates are that 30% of Arizonans have already contracted … Read more
It’s an odd time in COVID. Public opinion has turned gloomy, with Gallup reporting that more people are pessimistic about the future of COVID and getting the disease than are optimistic. That’s the first time since January that more folks are worried than hopeful. Moreover, 1 in 3 vaccinated individuals are now “somewhat” or “very worried” … Read more