Public Policy Weekly Roundup: January 22, 2016
January 22, 2016 · Paul Cotton
The Public Policy Weekly Roundup
Every Friday NCQA gives a rundown of the best national, state and private sector health care articles from the week. Here are our picks for today’s Public Policy Weekly Roundup:
National:
Obama’s proposed extending the full federal match for 3 years for states that newly expand Medicaid.
CMS’ Slavitt promised to replace meaningful use with something more focused on outcomes.
CMS added 121 new Medicare ACOs, including 21 “Next Generation” for a total of 477 covering 8.9M.
ACOG will host a consensus conference this month after USPSTF reaffirmed its mammography ratings.
A JAMA op-ed calls for measurement “safe harbors” to let high performers better innovate.
CMS said it will tighten Marketplace open enrollment rules to address concerns about gaming.
The Office of Civil Rights new guidelines to strengthen patients’ right to get their own medical records.
Independence Blue Cross will cover whole genome sequencing to optimize some cancer treatments.
NAMD is opposing CMS’ plan to set standards thresholds for Medicaid access to care.
Community Catalyst launched a new Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation.
Zeke Emanuel has taken a part-time role with a healthcare & financial services venture capital firm.
NQF named Helen Darling as interim president & CEO as it seeks to replace Christine Cassel.
State:
Florida Medicaid managed care led to the state’s best ever HEDIS & CAHPS scores.
Kentucky notified CMS it will dismantle its “kynect” Marketplace & default to healthcare.gov.
Massachusetts released proposed ACO certification standards for public comment.
Missouri will issue a Medicaid managed care RFP this spring seeking 3 statewide contractors.
Oregon is developing a quality metrics registry, provider directory & common credentialing for HIT.
Private:
Some employers are denying coverage altogether if employees skip wellness program screenings.
Deloitte’s 2015 Survey find most employers plan to maintain (42%) or expand (34%) wellness programs.
Harris Poll finds that ¾ of U.S. adults say health benefits are a significant factor in job decisions.
Employees who buy medical coverage on private exchanges also an average buy 5 specialty benefits.
Employer onsite clinic adoption is growing at double-digit rates and they are expanding offered services.
