The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) is conducting its latest Industry Progress Survey on ICD-10. Information from this survey will be used to inform WEDI, CMS, and other organizations on the progress of ICD-10 implementation. This brief survey will also assist in planning necessary programs and actions to assist the industry in transitioning to ICD-10.
To gather the most complete picture of progress within the industry, this survey is open to all organizations affected by ICD-10 such as vendors, health plans, providers, and payers. The survey is open to both WEDI members and non-members.
Responses to this survey will be gathered online. WEDI asks that participants only submit one survey per organization. The survey will close on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. Please direct any questions to Ann Marie Railing at WEDI at 703-391-2718 or amrailing@wedi.org.
Please visit the ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources.
HHS previously announced a delay in ICD-10 implementation.
Source: HHS News Release
Monday, February 27, 2012
HHS Announces New Assistance to States for Innovation Projects
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced more assistance to states as it implements three new provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The announcement gives states help by:
-Providing a new round of Affordable Insurance Exchange Establishment Grants, totaling $229 million to 10 states, to help states build new health insurance marketplaces;
- Promoting transparency and meaningful public input into the Medicaid demonstration process, and streamlining the federal-state consideration process as states test new models of care.
“We’re taking important actions that will give states more resources and more flexibility, and ensure transparency thanks to the Affordable Care Act,” said Secretary Sebelius. “All Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, and today’s steps are important measures that ensure that States have the help they need to administer their Medicaid programs and oversee their insurance markets while assuring meaningful input for consumers and beneficiaries.”
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014 Americans will have improved health coverage. Americans who do not have health care through their employer will be able to buy insurance from qualified health plans directly in an Affordable Insurance Exchange and may receive tax credits to help make coverage more affordable. In addition, all individuals under 65 years of age with incomes below 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,500 for an individual and $29,700 for a family of four in 2011) will be eligible for Medicaid. Today’s announcements will help States make this transition by giving more assistance to States as they make improvements to their Medicaid programs and insurance markets.
“As a former state health official, I know how important it is to have the right resources to ensure the health and well-being of our residents,” said Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “These announcements are good news for states and good news for millions of Americans who will enjoy better health care as the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented.”
HHS is providing more resources to States to help them build their open health insurance marketplaces known as Exchanges. HHS announced the award of $229 million in Affordable Insurance Exchange grants to 10 states to help them create Exchanges, giving these states more flexibility and resources to implement the Affordable Care Act. The health care reform law gives states the freedom to design Affordable Insurance Exchanges – one-stop marketplaces where consumers will be able to choose a private qualified health plan that fits their health needs and will have the same kinds of insurance choices as members of Congress. The awards bring to 34 (including the District of Columbia) the number of states that are making significant progress in creating Affordable Insurance Exchanges. States receiving funding today include: Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
More information on the Affordable Insurance Exchanges can be found here: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/05/exchanges05232011a.html
More Transparency
The Affordable Care Act requires transparency and meaningful public input in the development, review, and approval (or renewal) of Medicaid and CHIP demonstrations. These demonstrations allow States to undertake experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects, to run all or parts of their Medicaid programs in ways that would not otherwise be consistent with federal rules, and can have significant implications for beneficiaries, providers, and states. The final rule ensures transparency at each stage of the demonstration development and review process without impeding the timely submission and review of demonstration applications, ensuring public input while supporting ongoing innovation. Transparency and public input help to ensure that as these changes are being proposed at the state level and reviewed at the federal level, stakeholders have an opportunity to inform the decision-making process.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp
More Flexibility
HHS along with the Department of Treasury finalized a rule providing more flexibility to States to find the health care solutions that work best for them. The Affordable Care Act gives states the option to receive a State Innovation Waiver so they may pursue their own innovative strategies to ensure their residents have access to high quality, affordable health insurance. Under the law, State Innovation Waivers are available in 2017, and today’s final rules provide detail how States can work with HHS to ensure their residents have the protections provided in the Affordable Care Act and access to innovative State approaches.
In addition, states will have more flexibility to apply for the Exchange Establishment Grants under an amended Funding Opportunity Announcement with additional application opportunities due out later this spring.
More information on the State Innovation Waivers can be found here: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/02/state-innovation02222012a.html
Final rules were placed on display at the Federal Register, and may be found at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection
Source: HHS News Release
-Providing a new round of Affordable Insurance Exchange Establishment Grants, totaling $229 million to 10 states, to help states build new health insurance marketplaces;
- Promoting transparency and meaningful public input into the Medicaid demonstration process, and streamlining the federal-state consideration process as states test new models of care.
“We’re taking important actions that will give states more resources and more flexibility, and ensure transparency thanks to the Affordable Care Act,” said Secretary Sebelius. “All Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, and today’s steps are important measures that ensure that States have the help they need to administer their Medicaid programs and oversee their insurance markets while assuring meaningful input for consumers and beneficiaries.”
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014 Americans will have improved health coverage. Americans who do not have health care through their employer will be able to buy insurance from qualified health plans directly in an Affordable Insurance Exchange and may receive tax credits to help make coverage more affordable. In addition, all individuals under 65 years of age with incomes below 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,500 for an individual and $29,700 for a family of four in 2011) will be eligible for Medicaid. Today’s announcements will help States make this transition by giving more assistance to States as they make improvements to their Medicaid programs and insurance markets.
“As a former state health official, I know how important it is to have the right resources to ensure the health and well-being of our residents,” said Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “These announcements are good news for states and good news for millions of Americans who will enjoy better health care as the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented.”
HHS is providing more resources to States to help them build their open health insurance marketplaces known as Exchanges. HHS announced the award of $229 million in Affordable Insurance Exchange grants to 10 states to help them create Exchanges, giving these states more flexibility and resources to implement the Affordable Care Act. The health care reform law gives states the freedom to design Affordable Insurance Exchanges – one-stop marketplaces where consumers will be able to choose a private qualified health plan that fits their health needs and will have the same kinds of insurance choices as members of Congress. The awards bring to 34 (including the District of Columbia) the number of states that are making significant progress in creating Affordable Insurance Exchanges. States receiving funding today include: Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
More information on the Affordable Insurance Exchanges can be found here: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/05/exchanges05232011a.html
More Transparency
The Affordable Care Act requires transparency and meaningful public input in the development, review, and approval (or renewal) of Medicaid and CHIP demonstrations. These demonstrations allow States to undertake experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects, to run all or parts of their Medicaid programs in ways that would not otherwise be consistent with federal rules, and can have significant implications for beneficiaries, providers, and states. The final rule ensures transparency at each stage of the demonstration development and review process without impeding the timely submission and review of demonstration applications, ensuring public input while supporting ongoing innovation. Transparency and public input help to ensure that as these changes are being proposed at the state level and reviewed at the federal level, stakeholders have an opportunity to inform the decision-making process.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp
More Flexibility
HHS along with the Department of Treasury finalized a rule providing more flexibility to States to find the health care solutions that work best for them. The Affordable Care Act gives states the option to receive a State Innovation Waiver so they may pursue their own innovative strategies to ensure their residents have access to high quality, affordable health insurance. Under the law, State Innovation Waivers are available in 2017, and today’s final rules provide detail how States can work with HHS to ensure their residents have the protections provided in the Affordable Care Act and access to innovative State approaches.
In addition, states will have more flexibility to apply for the Exchange Establishment Grants under an amended Funding Opportunity Announcement with additional application opportunities due out later this spring.
More information on the State Innovation Waivers can be found here: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/02/state-innovation02222012a.html
Final rules were placed on display at the Federal Register, and may be found at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection
Source: HHS News Release
Friday, February 24, 2012
ONC, CMS Release Meaningful Use Proposed Regulations; Public Comment Requested
The Department of Health and Human Services released two notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs) related to Stage 2 Meaningful Use: the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs that detail proposed expectations for providers and the Standards & Certification Criteria (S&CC) that delineate proposed requirements for certified EHR products.
The announcement of the second stage of the three stage process, reflects the desire to create ambitious, but achievable goals that enable eligible professionals and hospitals to make incremental progress in adopting and implementing electronic health records (EHRs). The three stages are:
- Stage 1 (which began in 2011 and remains the starting point for all providers): "meaningful use" consists of transferring data to EHRs and being able to share information, including electronic copies and visit summaries for patients.
- Stage 2 (to be implemented in 2014 under the proposed rule): "meaningful use" includes standards such as online access for patients to their health information and electronic health information exchange between providers.
- Stage 3 (expected to be implemented in 2016): "meaningful use" includes demonstrating that the quality of health care has been improved.
The proposed rules focus on using EHRs to improve health and health care while reducing the burden on physicians and hospitals where possible. CMS' proposed rule would specify the Stage 2 criteria that eligible providers must meet in order to qualify for Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR incentive payments. It also would specify Medicare payment adjustments that, beginning in 2015, providers will face if they fail to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology and to meet other program participation requirements. In addition, as announced in a November 2011 "We Can't Wait" announcement, Stage 1 has been extended an additional year for providers who attested in 2011 – meaning that these providers will have to attest to Stage 2 in 2014, instead of in 2013.
The proposed rule announced by ONC identifies standards and criteria for the certification of EHR technology, so eligible professionals and hospitals can be sure that the systems they adopt are capable of performing the required functions to demonstrate either stage of meaningful use that would be in effect starting in 2014. Together, these rules will encourage even more providers to participate and support more coordinated, patient-centered care.
The NPRMs represent proposals; public comment is open for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Final rules are expected to be released this summer.
For more information on the Stage 2 Meaningful Use NPRM, visit www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/meaningful-use-stage-2.
Source: HHS News Release
The announcement of the second stage of the three stage process, reflects the desire to create ambitious, but achievable goals that enable eligible professionals and hospitals to make incremental progress in adopting and implementing electronic health records (EHRs). The three stages are:
- Stage 1 (which began in 2011 and remains the starting point for all providers): "meaningful use" consists of transferring data to EHRs and being able to share information, including electronic copies and visit summaries for patients.
- Stage 2 (to be implemented in 2014 under the proposed rule): "meaningful use" includes standards such as online access for patients to their health information and electronic health information exchange between providers.
- Stage 3 (expected to be implemented in 2016): "meaningful use" includes demonstrating that the quality of health care has been improved.
The proposed rules focus on using EHRs to improve health and health care while reducing the burden on physicians and hospitals where possible. CMS' proposed rule would specify the Stage 2 criteria that eligible providers must meet in order to qualify for Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR incentive payments. It also would specify Medicare payment adjustments that, beginning in 2015, providers will face if they fail to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology and to meet other program participation requirements. In addition, as announced in a November 2011 "We Can't Wait" announcement, Stage 1 has been extended an additional year for providers who attested in 2011 – meaning that these providers will have to attest to Stage 2 in 2014, instead of in 2013.
The proposed rule announced by ONC identifies standards and criteria for the certification of EHR technology, so eligible professionals and hospitals can be sure that the systems they adopt are capable of performing the required functions to demonstrate either stage of meaningful use that would be in effect starting in 2014. Together, these rules will encourage even more providers to participate and support more coordinated, patient-centered care.
The NPRMs represent proposals; public comment is open for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Final rules are expected to be released this summer.
For more information on the Stage 2 Meaningful Use NPRM, visit www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/meaningful-use-stage-2.
Source: HHS News Release
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mobile Devices Security Roundtable Scheduled
Registration is now open for a free Health & Humans Services roundtable on Mobile Security Devices taking place on Friday, March 16, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Great Hall,
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC.
The program may also be viewed via webcast.
The Roundtable will include three panels comprised of federal agency representatives, practicing providers, and representatives of research, provider and industry organizations. The event will be an interactive discussion with moderators encouraging interaction between the panelists and the audience. Questions will be accepted in person, through email, and via Twitter.
The Roundtable event is free and open to the public, through in-person or webcast participation, but you need to register online.
For more information or to register, please click here.
Source: HHS News Release
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC.
The program may also be viewed via webcast.
The Roundtable will include three panels comprised of federal agency representatives, practicing providers, and representatives of research, provider and industry organizations. The event will be an interactive discussion with moderators encouraging interaction between the panelists and the audience. Questions will be accepted in person, through email, and via Twitter.
The Roundtable event is free and open to the public, through in-person or webcast participation, but you need to register online.
For more information or to register, please click here.
Source: HHS News Release
HHS Selects Challenge Winners for Facebook App
Three Facebook applications designed to help people prepare for emergencies and get support from friends and family in an emergency – from personal medical emergencies or car accidents to natural or man-made disasters – are winners of a Facebook application challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
ASPR’s Facebook Lifeline Application Challenge called on software application developers to design new Facebook applications that could enhance individual and community resilience by establishing social connections in advance of an emergency.
Two recent Brown University graduates, Evan Donahue and Erik Stayton, partnered as Team ALP to win first place with their application, named Lifeline. The Las Vegas team JAMAJIC 360 with David Vinson, Erick Rodriguez, Gregg Orr, and Garth Winckler came in second with an app also named JAMAJIC 360. Third place was awarded to AreYouOk? developed by TrueTeamEffort, a team of 11 University of Illinois students led by Alex Kirlik.
Although these top three applications differ in how users interface with the app, all three allow users to designate three lifelines -- Facebook friends the person can count on and who agree to check on them in an emergency, supply them with shelter, food, and other necessities, and provide the person’s social network with an update about their wellbeing. Facebook users could use the lifeline app to create disaster readiness plans and share the plans with their emergency contacts, and provide users with news.
In addition, the first place app allows Facebook friends to collaborate on tracking the user’s status in a disaster-affected area so these friends can easily find the user’s lifelines and contact them to report that the user is safe or if the user appears to be missing. This networked approach increases the efficiency of finding missing users. The app allows users to print cards with a snapshot of their preparedness plan to carry in their wallets.
Team ALP’s app also features a news feed and links to credible information sources which make the app useful for large-scale disasters and individual emergencies, such as car accidents and personal medical emergencies.
The lifeline app is anticipated to be launched in the coming months, prior to the start of hurricane season. The team also receives $10,000 and complimentary passes from Health 2.0 to attend the spring Health 2.0 conference in Boston. JAMAJIC 360 receives $5,000 for second place, and TrueTeamEffort receives $1,000 for third place.
“We’re really excited about the potential of the lifeline app to help people not only to reach out to friends and family for the kinds of assistance they may need in an emergency, but also to help improve their personal health and preparedness,” said Nicole Lurie, M.D., HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response and a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service. “Having people you can depend on for help is especially important during a disaster, so we want to encourage everyone to identify those people in advance. Since so many people use Facebook to connect with one another, it seemed like a natural way to help people to identify their lifelines.”
Dr. Lurie also noted another possible benefit to the Facebook lifeline apps. “People who have friends or relatives they can rely on for help are healthier and live longer than those who don’t, which means establishing these social connections can enhance individual and community resilience,” she said.
To learn more about application challenges sponsored by federal agencies, including challenges that support emergency preparedness, visit challenge.gov.
HHS is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. To learn more about HHS, visit www.hhs.gov.
ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security. To learn more about ASPR and preparedness, response and recovery from the health impacts of disasters, visit the HHS public health and medical emergency website, www.phe.gov.
Source: HHS News Release
ASPR’s Facebook Lifeline Application Challenge called on software application developers to design new Facebook applications that could enhance individual and community resilience by establishing social connections in advance of an emergency.
Two recent Brown University graduates, Evan Donahue and Erik Stayton, partnered as Team ALP to win first place with their application, named Lifeline. The Las Vegas team JAMAJIC 360 with David Vinson, Erick Rodriguez, Gregg Orr, and Garth Winckler came in second with an app also named JAMAJIC 360. Third place was awarded to AreYouOk? developed by TrueTeamEffort, a team of 11 University of Illinois students led by Alex Kirlik.
Although these top three applications differ in how users interface with the app, all three allow users to designate three lifelines -- Facebook friends the person can count on and who agree to check on them in an emergency, supply them with shelter, food, and other necessities, and provide the person’s social network with an update about their wellbeing. Facebook users could use the lifeline app to create disaster readiness plans and share the plans with their emergency contacts, and provide users with news.
In addition, the first place app allows Facebook friends to collaborate on tracking the user’s status in a disaster-affected area so these friends can easily find the user’s lifelines and contact them to report that the user is safe or if the user appears to be missing. This networked approach increases the efficiency of finding missing users. The app allows users to print cards with a snapshot of their preparedness plan to carry in their wallets.
Team ALP’s app also features a news feed and links to credible information sources which make the app useful for large-scale disasters and individual emergencies, such as car accidents and personal medical emergencies.
The lifeline app is anticipated to be launched in the coming months, prior to the start of hurricane season. The team also receives $10,000 and complimentary passes from Health 2.0 to attend the spring Health 2.0 conference in Boston. JAMAJIC 360 receives $5,000 for second place, and TrueTeamEffort receives $1,000 for third place.
“We’re really excited about the potential of the lifeline app to help people not only to reach out to friends and family for the kinds of assistance they may need in an emergency, but also to help improve their personal health and preparedness,” said Nicole Lurie, M.D., HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response and a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service. “Having people you can depend on for help is especially important during a disaster, so we want to encourage everyone to identify those people in advance. Since so many people use Facebook to connect with one another, it seemed like a natural way to help people to identify their lifelines.”
Dr. Lurie also noted another possible benefit to the Facebook lifeline apps. “People who have friends or relatives they can rely on for help are healthier and live longer than those who don’t, which means establishing these social connections can enhance individual and community resilience,” she said.
To learn more about application challenges sponsored by federal agencies, including challenges that support emergency preparedness, visit challenge.gov.
HHS is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. To learn more about HHS, visit www.hhs.gov.
ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security. To learn more about ASPR and preparedness, response and recovery from the health impacts of disasters, visit the HHS public health and medical emergency website, www.phe.gov.
Source: HHS News Release
Health Reform Law Provides Coverage for Nearly 50,000 Americans With Pre-existing Conditions
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the new health care law’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program is providing insurance to nearly 50,000 people with high-risk pre-existing conditions nationwide.
The Department released a new report demonstrating how PCIP is helping to fill a void in the insurance market for consumers with pre-existing conditions who are denied insurance coverage and are ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
“For too long, Americans with pre-existing conditions were locked out of the health care system and their health suffered,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Thanks to health reform, our most vulnerable Americans across the country have the care they need.”
Under the Affordable Care Act, in 2014, insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to any American with a pre-existing condition. Until then, the PCIP program will continue to provide enrollees with affordable insurance coverage.
In many cases, PCIP participants have been diagnosed with and need treatment for serious health care conditions such as cancer, ischemic heart disease, degenerative bone diseases and hemophilia. As a result of the new law, PCIP enrollees are receiving health services for their conditions on the first day their insurance coverage begins. Their critical need for treatment, combined with their lack of prior health coverage has led to higher overall per-member claims costs in state-based PCIPs of approximately $29,000 per year, which is more than double the per member cost that traditional State High Risk Pools have experienced in recent years.
Enrollment in PCIP has seen a nearly 400 percent increase from November 2010 to November 2011. PCIP enrollment is anticipated to trend upwards of 50,000 enrollees within the coming month.
People who enroll in the PCIP program are not charged a higher premium because of their medical condition. Program participants pay comparable premium rates to healthy people in the individual insurance market. By law, premiums may vary only on the basis of age, geographic area and tobacco use.
PCIP provides comprehensive health coverage, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, prescription drugs, home health and hospice care, skilled nursing care, preventive health and maternity care. The program is available in 50 states and the District of Columbia and open to U.S. citizens and people who reside in the U.S. legally (regardless of income) who have been without insurance coverage for at least six months, and have a pre-existing condition, or have been denied health insurance coverage because of a health condition.
The Affordable Care Act directed the Secretary of HHS to carry out PCIP either directly or through a contract with a state or nonprofit entity. In 27 states, a state or nonprofit entity elected to administer PCIP, while HHS operates the program in the remaining 23 states and the District of Columbia.
The new report can be found at: http://www.cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/Files2/02242012/pcip-annual-report.pdf
For more information, including eligibility, plan benefits and rates, as well as information on how to apply, visit www.pcip.gov and click on “Find Your State.” Then select your state from a map of the United States or from the drop-down menu.
The PCIP call center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Call toll-free 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).
Source: HHS News Release
The Department released a new report demonstrating how PCIP is helping to fill a void in the insurance market for consumers with pre-existing conditions who are denied insurance coverage and are ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
“For too long, Americans with pre-existing conditions were locked out of the health care system and their health suffered,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Thanks to health reform, our most vulnerable Americans across the country have the care they need.”
Under the Affordable Care Act, in 2014, insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to any American with a pre-existing condition. Until then, the PCIP program will continue to provide enrollees with affordable insurance coverage.
In many cases, PCIP participants have been diagnosed with and need treatment for serious health care conditions such as cancer, ischemic heart disease, degenerative bone diseases and hemophilia. As a result of the new law, PCIP enrollees are receiving health services for their conditions on the first day their insurance coverage begins. Their critical need for treatment, combined with their lack of prior health coverage has led to higher overall per-member claims costs in state-based PCIPs of approximately $29,000 per year, which is more than double the per member cost that traditional State High Risk Pools have experienced in recent years.
Enrollment in PCIP has seen a nearly 400 percent increase from November 2010 to November 2011. PCIP enrollment is anticipated to trend upwards of 50,000 enrollees within the coming month.
People who enroll in the PCIP program are not charged a higher premium because of their medical condition. Program participants pay comparable premium rates to healthy people in the individual insurance market. By law, premiums may vary only on the basis of age, geographic area and tobacco use.
PCIP provides comprehensive health coverage, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, prescription drugs, home health and hospice care, skilled nursing care, preventive health and maternity care. The program is available in 50 states and the District of Columbia and open to U.S. citizens and people who reside in the U.S. legally (regardless of income) who have been without insurance coverage for at least six months, and have a pre-existing condition, or have been denied health insurance coverage because of a health condition.
The Affordable Care Act directed the Secretary of HHS to carry out PCIP either directly or through a contract with a state or nonprofit entity. In 27 states, a state or nonprofit entity elected to administer PCIP, while HHS operates the program in the remaining 23 states and the District of Columbia.
The new report can be found at: http://www.cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/Files2/02242012/pcip-annual-report.pdf
For more information, including eligibility, plan benefits and rates, as well as information on how to apply, visit www.pcip.gov and click on “Find Your State.” Then select your state from a map of the United States or from the drop-down menu.
The PCIP call center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Call toll-free 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).
Source: HHS News Release
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
HIE Set to Expand
Electronic Health Information Exchanges that allow the secure sharing of patient health information between providers is set to grow considerably in coming years because of new service and payment models that are being adopted said panelists at a recent Brookings Institution presentation.
Policy Megachange and Health Information Exchanges featured panelists Janet Marchibroda, Chair of the Health Information Technology Initiative of The Health Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center; John Piescik of the Strategy and Engagement Center Center for Transforming Health at The MITRE Corporation; P. Jon White, Director Health IT and Acting Director, Center for Primary Care, Prevention and Clinical Partnerships Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ); and Claudia Williams, Director of the State Health Information Exchange Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Panelists agreed that HIEs would expand. “[O]ur goal is to get information moving to
support patient care in a secure way," said Claudia Williams of ONC. "Our goal is not necessarily to support a particular model or particular approach, but to see the percentage of transitions that are supported by the information that's needed, of lab results going to doctors electronically and of patients able to get their own information. We need to see these measures really take
off.”
"We've got a business case on the horizon with payment reform and delivery system
reform and for the first time talking with a whole host of folks that maybe weren't there 2 years ago," agreed Janet Marchiboda. "...whether it's providers, physician practices, hospitals, labs or vendors, I see an appetite for coming to agreement around a set of policies and standards. We'd have to talk about how far down you go, but principles and policies for getting to exchange even
on a voluntary basis that could be something that could inform what the federal government adopts over the long-term."
The Brookings Institution released a paper called Health Information Exchanges and Megachange in conjuction with the presentation.
Additional information about the presentation, including an audio webcast of the presentation may be accessed here.
Source: CQ HealthBeat (subscription required)
Policy Megachange and Health Information Exchanges featured panelists Janet Marchibroda, Chair of the Health Information Technology Initiative of The Health Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center; John Piescik of the Strategy and Engagement Center Center for Transforming Health at The MITRE Corporation; P. Jon White, Director Health IT and Acting Director, Center for Primary Care, Prevention and Clinical Partnerships Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ); and Claudia Williams, Director of the State Health Information Exchange Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Panelists agreed that HIEs would expand. “[O]ur goal is to get information moving to
support patient care in a secure way," said Claudia Williams of ONC. "Our goal is not necessarily to support a particular model or particular approach, but to see the percentage of transitions that are supported by the information that's needed, of lab results going to doctors electronically and of patients able to get their own information. We need to see these measures really take
off.”
"We've got a business case on the horizon with payment reform and delivery system
reform and for the first time talking with a whole host of folks that maybe weren't there 2 years ago," agreed Janet Marchiboda. "...whether it's providers, physician practices, hospitals, labs or vendors, I see an appetite for coming to agreement around a set of policies and standards. We'd have to talk about how far down you go, but principles and policies for getting to exchange even
on a voluntary basis that could be something that could inform what the federal government adopts over the long-term."
The Brookings Institution released a paper called Health Information Exchanges and Megachange in conjuction with the presentation.
Additional information about the presentation, including an audio webcast of the presentation may be accessed here.
Source: CQ HealthBeat (subscription required)
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