Health Care Quality and Delivery System Reform
Sebelius touts delivery system reform agenda before Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Posted on December 8, 2010
In a keynote speech to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement forum in Orlando, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius touted opportunities for delivery system reform created by the Affordable Care Act. “The law is … a serious platform for improving the quality of health care and changing the delivery system so we stop doing things that don’t work for patients and starting doing things which do work,” she said. “It’s about better care: care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered.”
Debt Commission releases report on fiscal responsibility
Posted on December 1, 2010
The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, otherwise known as the Debt Commission, recently released its report on the nation’s fiscal crisis. The report, titled “The Moment of Truth,” offers options and recommendations on how to reduce the U.S. national debt. The report includes numerous recommendations for health care savings and spending reductions, namely reforming the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate and establishing a health care spending budget, among other recommendations.
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HHS announces new funds to help address primary care workforce shortages
Posted on November 22, 2010
Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $290 million in new funding from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program to help increase the number of primary care providers in medically underserved areas. These funds will allow $60,000 in loan debt forgiveness to medical, dental, and mental health primary care providers who commit to practicing 2 years in an NHSC-designated service area. Additionally, the ACA allows for more leeway in administering NHSC funds, such as the opportunity to work full-time or half-time, as well as total loan forgiveness for a commitment of six years.
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Update: Health Insurance Reforms and “Grandfathered Plans”
Posted on November 17, 2010
The health reform law establishes minimum federal standards, preserving states’ ability to require more stringent standards for insured plans.
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CMS provides guidance on enhanced Federal support for chronic illness care integration
Posted on November 17, 2010
In a letter to State Medicaid Directors and State Health Officials, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released guidance on opportunities for additional federal support for “enhanced integration and coordination of primary, acute, behavioral health (mental health and substance use), and long-term services and supports for persons across the lifespan with chronic illness.”
CMS announces launch of Innovation Center
Posted on November 16, 2010
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced the formal launch of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which, the agency explains in its announcement, “will examine new ways of delivering health care and paying health care providers that can save money for Medicare and Medicaid while improving the quality of care.”
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CMS releases Request for Information on Medicare ACOs
Posted on November 15, 2010
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released a request for information on Accountable Care Organizations and the Medicare Shared Savings Program under the health reform law. This is to be published in the federal register on November 17 with the deadline for comments to fall 21 days later.
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Richard Gilfillan to head Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation
Posted on September 30, 2010
According to media reports, Richard Gifillan has been chosen to head the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, an office created by the health reform law. Gilfillan is the former head of the Geisinger Health Plan.
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HHS awards more than $14 million for patient-centered outcomes research
Posted on September 15, 2010
The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $14.2 million to develop and test interventions based on patient-centered outcomes research among racial and ethnic minority populations. The National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities awarded grants to universities and medical schools to five states, and the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health awarded a contract to Westat, Inc, of Rockville, MD.
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HHS seeks input on National Health Care Quality Strategy
Posted on September 9, 2010
The Department of Health and Human Services has released a preliminary National Health Care Quality Strategy, and is seeking comment through October 15, 2010. Comments can be submitted via an online questionnaire.
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