Managed Care Friday

Mar 17, 2023 | Managed Care Friday

10,000+: The number of mental health apps circulating on app stores, according to a recent estimate by the American Psychiatric Assocation. While some are filling an important gap in access to mental health treatment, not all apps are equal. An ORCHA review of more than 500 mental health apps found nearly 70% didn't pass basic quality standards, such as having an adequate privacy policy or being able to meet a user's needs. That figure is higher for apps geared toward suicide prevention and addiction, some of the most vulnerable populations. A number of apps are incorporating AI to help...

Weekly Medicaid Update

Mar 15, 2023 | Medicaid

The brief highlights recent Medicaid policy developments in key states over the past week, including, but not limited to: IN: New program for members who lose eligibility after exceeding income limit​ NH: Senate gives preliminary approval to make Medicaid expansion permanent​ NY: State Assembly and Senate release FY2024 budget proposals Click to read more. 

Federal Policy Review 2022-2023

Mar 14, 2023 | BRG Publications

BRG’s annual Federal Policy Review is a guide to federal healthcare policy for 2022 and 2023. BRG’s policy experts review macro trends in healthcare spending and coverage, federal legislative efforts, and regulatory updates to each of the Medicare payment systems. Click to read more. 

Managed Care Friday

Mar 10, 2023 | Managed Care Friday

20: The percentage of colorectal cancers diagnosed in younger people, those 50 and below, in 2019, compared to just 11% in 1995, according to research published last week. Worryingly, providers don’t seem to know what’s driving the increase. While health plans have been trying to make it easier for their members to screen for colorectal cancer, such as mailing at-home Cologuard tests and dropping PAs and copays for colonoscopies, these are still typically limited to members who are at least 45-50+ years of age. Pre-Pay Review: Medical claims are increasing in complexity, according to a...

Weekly Medicaid Update

Mar 8, 2023 | Medicaid

The brief highlights recent Medicaid policy developments in key states over the past week, including, but not limited to: MS: Bill to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage is headed to Gov. Reeve’s desk NC: Legislature reaches agreement to expand Medicaid RI: Introduced bills aimed at improving services for adults with developmental disabilities WI: Expanded coverage for crisis intervention services Click to read more. 

BRG Expert Discussion: Payer Priorities for 2023

Mar 3, 2023 | BRG Conference Call Replays

March 3, 2023 BRG expert Bryan Cote discusses the Top 20 Payer Priorities for 2023 - what it all means, why it matters, and how to interpret the rankings for your business. This year’s Top 20 includes four services new to the rankings, five new entries in the Top 10, and a new #1. Click here for the recording (if asked, use Passcode: X1@73cKU) 2023 Healthcare Payer Index

Managed Care Friday

Mar 3, 2023 | Managed Care Friday

930: The number of family medicine and internal medicine residency positions that went unfilled in 2022 despite the significant need for more of these providers. The National Regional Match Program’s data shows that anesthesiology, radiology and surgery residencies tend to only have a few positions unfilled. Mouth Full: A dental technology company has launched a virtual platform for video visits with dentists and tools to connect patients with care. MouthWatch anticipates this platform will mostly be used for emergencies, prescriptions, second opinions, cosmetic consultations and preventive...

Weekly Medicaid Update

Mar 1, 2023 | Medicaid

The brief highlights recent Medicaid policy developments in key states over the past week, including, but not limited to: CO: Expands coverage of home delivered meals for waiver participants IL: Releases report on state’s Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative NC: Delayed launch of Behavioral Health/IDD Tailored Plans Click to read more. 

Recent Developments In Anesthesiology

Feb 28, 2023 | Medicare, Physician Fee Schedule

Recent Developments in Anesthesiology: Impact of policy in PFS rules mixed for anesthesiology specialty. In recent years, more anesthesiology groups have contracted with payers and this trend is likely to continue driven by value-based payment design and bundled payments. Click to read more.