CMS To Transition Direct Contracting To Equity-Focused ACO REACH Model

Mar 8, 2022 | Legislation/ Budgets/ Macro

Beginning in 2023, CMMI will transition the Global and Professional Direct Contracting (DC) Model to the new ACO Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (REACH) model. This iteration of ACOs will continue to allow innovative arrangements with more downside risk for providers, while enhancing the Biden Administration’s focus on health equity. Click to read more.

State Of The Union

Mar 4, 2022 | Legislation/ Budgets/ Macro

State Of The Union: On March 1st President Biden gave his first State of the Union address, citing several emerging health care priorities including nursing home quality and mental health. Click here to read more.

Managed Care Friday

Mar 4, 2022 | Managed Care Friday

$1.76M: The amount CareFirst has awarded to local health organizations to help address the diabetes epidemic and the social determinants of health that drive the chronic condition’s development. The grant recipients included 27 local health groups and represent Phase 1 of CareFirst’s commitment to addressing diabetes through a $10.5 million contribution. Lab Utility: The utility of lab testing and the overall cost, namely physician referral to out of network labs, is creating demand from health plans to manage and change physician behavior in more proactive ways. Later this year, several...

Weekly Medicaid Update

Mar 2, 2022 | Medicaid

The brief highlights recent Medicaid policy developments in key states, including, but not limited to: MN: Governor publishes supplemental budget proposal NC: Extension of temporary COVID rate increases for some providers, implementation of enhanced HCBS provider rates OR: State withdraws waiver request to run a closed Medicaid formulary Click to read more.

Managed Care Friday

Feb 25, 2022 | Managed Care Friday

56: For Giants football fans, it’s the number of the best linebacker in history, but for those in healthcare it’s a new indicator that virtual psych apps can work, as a reported 56% of patients stopped using Silvercloud for their anxiety or depression after 8 to 10 weeks, according to John Jesser, general manager for Amwell’s population health. Homeless Healthcare: CVS Health has invested ~$30 million to build affordable housing in several cities, the latest a 36-unit complex in the Denver area for individuals currently experiencing homelessness or physical, intellectual, and/or...

Weekly Medicaid Update

Feb 23, 2022 | Medicaid

The brief highlights recent Medicaid policy developments in key states, including, but not limited to: LA: State announces new MCO contract awards WI: Assembly passes bills impacting Medicaid eligibility redeterminations TX: State implements reimbursement updates for several service categories Click to read more.